Bioshock Creator Was Shocked by Irrational Games Closure

Ken Levine reflects on the unexpected closure of Irrational Games following the success of BioShock Infinite, calling the decision "complicated." He reveals the studio's shutdown surprised most of its employees, stating, "I thought they were going to continue. But it wasn’t my company."

Irrational Games, co-founded by Levine, Chey, and Fermier, created the acclaimed BioShock franchise. Levine's 2014 announcement of the studio's closure, after the release of BioShock Infinite, led to its 2017 rebranding as Ghost Story Games under Take-Two Interactive. This closure occurred amidst a challenging period for the video game industry, marked by significant layoffs at prominent studios.

In a recent interview with Edge Magazine (via PC Gamer), Levine elaborated on the circumstances. He admitted to personal struggles during BioShock Infinite's development, which contributed to his desire to leave Irrational, though he hoped the studio would continue. The closure, he confirmed, was a shock. He cites his own state of mind as a factor, explaining, "I don’t think I was in any state to be a good leader." Irrational's legacy includes its contributions to the horror RPG genre with System Shock 2 and the critical success of BioShock Infinite.

Levine's Post-Infinite Reflections and BioShock 4 Speculation

Despite the sadness surrounding BioShock Infinite's narrative, the game's impact on players is undeniable. Looking back, Levine suggests Take-Two could have allowed Irrational to work on a BioShock remake, believing "That would have been a good title for Irrational to get their head around." He strived to make the studio's closure as painless as possible for employees, providing transition packages and ongoing support.

The upcoming BioShock 4 has generated considerable anticipation. While announced five years ago, a release date remains unconfirmed as 2K and Cloud Chamber Studios continue development. Fans are hopeful the game will incorporate lessons learned from BioShock Infinite's release, with speculation focusing on a potential open-world setting while retaining the series' signature first-person perspective.