Bioshock Creator Was Shocked by Irrational Games Closure

Ken Levine reflects on the unexpected closure of Irrational Games following the success of BioShock Infinite, describing the decision as "complicated." In a recent interview, Levine revealed that the studio's shuttering came as a surprise to most, including himself. He had hoped Irrational would continue, despite his own departure, 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 critically acclaimed BioShock franchise. The studio's closure in 2014, after the release of BioShock Infinite, marked a significant event in the gaming industry. The studio was later rebranded as Ghost Story Games.

The interview with Edge Magazine (via PC Gamer) delves into Levine's personal struggles during BioShock Infinite's development, which contributed to his decision to leave Irrational. He acknowledges his inability to effectively lead the studio at that time, stating, "I don’t think I was in any state to be a good leader." Despite the closure, Levine strived to make the transition as smooth as possible for his team, providing transition packages and ongoing support.

Looking ahead to the anticipated BioShock 4, many believe the upcoming title can learn from the experiences of BioShock Infinite. While an official release date remains unannounced, speculation points towards an open-world setting, retaining the series' signature first-person perspective. Levine even suggests a BioShock remake could have been a fitting project for Irrational to undertake. The legacy of Irrational Games, particularly their work on System Shock 2 and BioShock Infinite, continues to resonate within the gaming community.