Ken Levine, director of BioShock Infinite, reflects on the unexpected closure of Irrational Games following the game's success. He describes the decision by Take-Two Interactive as "complicated," revealing that the studio's shutdown surprised most of its employees, including himself. While Levine intended to leave Irrational after BioShock Infinite's development, he expected the studio to continue operating. He notes his personal struggles during the game's creation impacted his leadership abilities, stating, "I don’t think I was in any state to be a good leader."
Levine's retrospective also touches on the potential for Irrational to handle a BioShock remake, suggesting it would have been a suitable project for the team. He emphasizes his efforts to ensure a smooth transition for employees, aiming for "the least painful lay-off possible."
The news of Irrational's closure comes against a backdrop of recent industry layoffs at prominent studios. The legacy of Irrational, known for titles like System Shock 2 and BioShock Infinite, continues to resonate.
Anticipation for BioShock 4 is high, with fans speculating about an open-world setting for the next installment. While announced years ago, an official release date remains elusive as 2K and Cloud Chamber Studios continue development. The upcoming game is expected to retain the first-person perspective established in previous titles.
