VG Update #7: Irrational Games Is Closing Its Doors

In 1997, Ken Levine, Jonathan Chey and Robert Fermier formed the studio known as Irrational Games. At the time, little did anyone know that this game developer would bring some of the most talked about and critically acclaimed titles the industry has ever seen, such as "System Shock 2," "BioShock" and 2013's "BioShock Infinite." But this Tuesday, Ken Levine, the current head of Irrational Games, announced he will be closing down the studio.

Concept art with the two major characters in BioShock Infinite: Booker DeWitt and Elizabeth. (Photo courtesy of Irrational Games)

Perhaps this comes as no surprise to some since "BioShock Infinite" went through some troubling developmental periods, marked by multiple changes in direction, scrapped ideas and other trials. However,  Irrational Games recently made such a huge splash with this game, earning many awards last year in addition to selling over 4 million units 4 months after its release. You would think the developer would be planning to make another blockbuster game in the franchise, but this won't happen.

"While I’m deeply proud of what we’ve accomplished together, my passion has turned to making a different kind of game than we’ve done before," Levine said yesterday in a message on Irrational Games' website. "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."

Levine goes on to explain that he will be "parting ways with all but about fifteen members of the Irrational team," but said he will try to support and assist anyone who's been laid off. "Other Take-Two studios will be on hand to discuss opportunities within the company," Levine says, "and we’ll be hosting a recruiting day where we’ll be giving 3rd party studios and publishers a chance to hold interviews with departing Irrational staff."

Ken Levine: a respected, talented and unconventional game developer. (Photo courtesy of EPN)

As for what Levine plans to do next, he originally intended to part ways with his publisher, 2K Games, so he could start fresh as an independent developer. After discussing his plans with Take-Two (which owns 2K Games), they convinced him to start his new venture with 2K Games remaining his publisher.

For the long run, Levine and his small team plan 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."

"BioShock" fans don't need to be worried though. Levine says he is "handing the reins of our creation, the 'BioShock' universe, to 2K so our new venture can focus entirely on replayable narrative." In fact, 2K Games released a statement about this that can be seen on Kotaku.

"BioShock is one of our most beloved and critically acclaimed franchises, and we are indebted to Ken and the talented team at Irrational Games for their contributions to the series with 'BioShock' and BioShock Infinite; the latter being one of the most decorated games of 2013," 2K Games said. "The 'BioShock' universe remains a rich creative canvas for many untold stories, and we look forward to exploring the next 'BioShock' experience."

What will the future hold for this franchise? Which developers will take it in new directions, and what does Levine have up his sleeve as he embarks on a new quest to develop games? Like the "BioShock" games, everyone is sure to be in for great surprises and shocking details after this major turn of events.