Irrational Games, the studio behind critically-acclaimed video games like System Shock 2 and BioShock Infinite, will be closing shop after 17 years of service. In an open letter posted on the company’s website, co-founder Ken Levine (pictured below) explains what Neoseeker describes as getting “bitten by the ‘let’s return to our roots’ bug,” rebooting with 15 Irrational Games employees in a new studio that promises a “more direct relationship with gamers.” The announcement comes after the final content update of BioShock Infinite this past month.
The new venture will still be under the watchful eyes of Take-Two Interactive, the same parent company of Rockstar Games (developer of Grand Theft Auto franchise), although Levine admitted he considered building a startup instead. He also said he plans on working with a smaller team to “create replayable narrative games intended for digital distribution.” He is also working on writing the remake of Logan’s Run, so do not expect a new release from Levine’s new studio any time soon.
Irrational Games peaked at nearly 200 employees, during the development of BioShock Infinite in Summer 2012. It remains unclear if Levine will be carrying the Irrational branding to its new studio.
Meanwhile, the BioShock franchise will be handed over to 2K Games, which is also under Take-Two.
“BioShock is one of our most beloved and critically acclaimed franchises, and we are indebted to Ken and the talented team of Irrational Games for their contributions to the series with BioShock and BioShock Infinite; the latter being one of the most decorated games of 2013,” Take-Two said in a statement. “The BioShock universe remains a rich creative canvas for many untold stories, and we look forward to exploring the next BioShock experience.”
Image source: (Levine) PC Gamer
