Irrational Games Abrupt Closure Stuns Bioshock Creator

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, while occurring after his departure, surprised most of the team. Levine, creative director and co-founder, had envisioned Irrational continuing, despite his own exit. "I thought they were going to continue. But it wasn’t my company," he stated in a recent interview with Edge Magazine.

The closure, following the release of BioShock Infinite in 2013, came amidst personal challenges for Levine during the game's development. He admits, "I don’t think I was in any state to be a good leader." The studio, known for titles like System Shock 2 and BioShock Infinite, was rebranded as Ghost Story Games in 2017 under Take-Two Interactive.

Levine expresses hindsight that Irrational could have been tasked with a BioShock remake, a project he believes would have been a suitable undertaking. He emphasizes his efforts to ensure a smooth transition for his former colleagues, providing comprehensive support packages.

Anticipation for BioShock 4 remains high, with fans hoping the developers will learn from the experiences surrounding BioShock Infinite's release. While announced five years ago, a release date is yet to be confirmed. Speculation points towards an open-world setting, while maintaining the series' signature first-person perspective.