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, a surprise to most, occurred despite his belief that Irrational would continue operating. Levine, creative director and co-founder, emphasizes that the studio's fate was ultimately beyond his control: "I thought they were going to continue. But it wasn’t my company."
This unexpected closure, occurring in 2014 after the release of BioShock Infinite, contrasts with the studio's legacy, which includes contributions to the horror RPG genre with System Shock 2 and the acclaimed BioShock series. Levine attributes his decision to leave Irrational to personal struggles during BioShock Infinite's development, acknowledging his inability to effectively lead the team at that time. He strived to ensure a smooth transition for his employees, prioritizing a "least painful lay-off" with support packages.
The interview with Edge Magazine (via PC Gamer) also touches upon the anticipation surrounding BioShock 4. Levine suggests that Irrational could have successfully handled a BioShock remake, adding that it would have been a fitting project for the studio. While the release date remains unconfirmed, fan speculation points towards an open-world setting for BioShock 4, retaining the first-person perspective of previous titles. This upcoming installment provides an opportunity to learn from the experiences and discussions surrounding BioShock Infinite. The game's impact, despite its melancholic tone, is undeniable, leaving a lasting impression on gamers.
