Posted in: Movies, Recent Updates, Video Games | Tagged: bioshock, entertainment, Irrational Games, ken levine, video games

Bioshock Not-So-Infinite After All – Irrational Games is Shutting Down

By Daniel Celko

The studio responsible for the iconic Bioshock series is "winding down" as announced by Ken Levine, co-founder of Irrational Games.

In his public message on the Irrational Games site, Levine stated that he wishes to move in a new direction with the games he creates:

To make narrative-driven games for the core gamer that are highly replayable. To foster the most direct relationship with our fans possible, we will focus exclusively on content delivered digitally.

This is a risky move to stray away from such a successful franchise which has earned retail revenues of over half a billion dollars. However, I see this as a magnificent move as well. I hold steadfast to the idea that, the moment something starts being created with the sole purpose of making money, it can only end horribly. This new approach, allows Levine to still follow his "passion" as he puts it.

The production of Bioshock: Infinite was not without its problems. There were release dates pushed back and features left out. With the unwieldy nature of such a large entity, is not entirely surprising that Levine is looking to conclude the 17 year long chapter of Irrational Games to focus on this new philosophy.

To meet the challenge ahead, I need to refocus my energy on a smaller team with a flatter structure and a more direct relationship with gamers. In many ways, it will be a return to how we started: a small team making games for the core gaming audience.

There has been much concern growing over the fate of the soon to be ex-employees of Irrational Games. However, Levine has made it known that the entire staff will have their full support during the transition. This includes the continued use of facilities to arrange portfolios, helping find employment prospects, and even Levine promoting members of his staff on twitter.

RT @almnop: Dear Game Industry, it's your lucky day. Today, you can hire an amazing designer: @ebeinke She will make you games better.

— Ken Levine (@IGLevine) February 19, 2014

Personally, I am excited over this development. Levine has experience in big gaming and has made some incredible games that will be remembered for years to come. Now he is taking that experience and bringing it to a place where a strong and personal relationship with his audience can be cultivated and built upon.

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