Ken Levine reflects on the unexpected closure of Irrational Games following the success of BioShock Infinite, describing the decision as "complicated." He reveals the studio's shutdown surprised most of its employees, stating, "I thought they were going to continue. But it wasn’t my company."

Levine, creative director and co-founder of Irrational Games, led the development of the acclaimed BioShock franchise. The studio's closure in 2014, after the release of BioShock Infinite, followed by its rebranding as Ghost Story Games in 2017, shocked the industry. This event occurred amidst a period of significant lay-offs in the video game sector.

In a recent interview with Edge Magazine (via PC Gamer), Levine discussed his personal challenges during BioShock Infinite's development, which contributed to his decision to leave Irrational. However, he hoped the studio would continue. He explains, "I don’t think I was in any state to be a good leader." Irrational, known for System Shock 2 and BioShock Infinite, faced unforeseen pressures. Levine strived to make the layoffs as smooth as possible, providing transition packages and support.

The upcoming BioShock 4 offers a glimmer of hope for fans. While an official release date remains elusive, speculation points towards an open-world setting, retaining the series' first-person perspective. Many believe BioShock 4 can learn from the experiences and discussions surrounding BioShock Infinite's release. Levine himself suggests a BioShock remake would have been a suitable project for Irrational.