Bioshock's Creator Reacts to Shocking Closure of Irrational Games

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 shutdown, which occurred after his departure, surprised most of the team. Levine, the creative director and co-founder, had hoped Irrational would continue, despite his own need to step away. He emphasizes that the closure wasn't his decision, stating, "I thought they were going to continue. But it wasn’t my company."

The interview with Edge Magazine (via PC Gamer) sheds light on the personal challenges Levine faced during BioShock Infinite's development, impacting his leadership and ultimately prompting his departure. He explains, "I don’t think I was in any state to be a good leader." Despite the closure, Levine strived to ensure a smooth transition for his team, prioritizing "the least painful lay-off" possible.

The legacy of Irrational Games, known for titles like System Shock 2 and BioShock Infinite, continues to resonate. Levine speculates that Irrational could have successfully tackled a BioShock remake, a project he believes would have been a suitable undertaking for the studio.

Anticipation for BioShock 4 remains high. While an official release date is still pending, fan speculation points towards an open-world setting, potentially incorporating lessons learned from BioShock Infinite's development and reception. The game's first-person perspective is expected to remain consistent with previous installments.