Ken Levine reflects on the unexpected closure of Irrational Games following the success of BioShock Infinite, describing the decision as "complicated." He reveals that the studio's shuttering came as a surprise, stating, "I thought they were going to continue. But it wasn’t my company."
Levine, creative director and co-founder of Irrational Games, led the development of the acclaimed BioShock series. The studio's closure in 2014, after the release of BioShock Infinite, was followed by its rebranding as Ghost Story Games in 2017 under Take-Two Interactive. This closure stands in contrast to Levine's hopes for the studio's continued operation, even after his own departure, which he attributes to personal struggles during Infinite's development. He explains, "I don’t think I was in any state to be a good leader."
The impact of Irrational's closure is further highlighted by the industry's recent struggles with layoffs at major studios.
Levine's Post-Infinite Reflections and BioShock 4 Speculation
Despite the emotional weight of BioShock Infinite, its success led Levine to believe Irrational could have undertaken a BioShock remake. He emphasizes his efforts to ensure a "least painful lay-off" for his team, providing transition support.
Anticipation for BioShock 4 is high, with fans hoping the developers will learn from the experiences surrounding BioShock Infinite. While announced five years ago, a release date remains unconfirmed as 2K and Cloud Chamber Studios continue development. Speculation points towards a potential open-world setting, while maintaining the series' signature first-person perspective.
