BioShock creator to close Irrational Games

Ken Levine, the creator of the hugely popular BioShock franchise, has announced the closure of Irrational Games.

In an open letter on the Irrational Games website, Levine said: “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.

“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 said about 15 members of staff will lose their jobs as he looks to create a “smaller, more entrepreneurial endeavour” at Take-Two.

The IP will be handed over to publishers 2K so Levine’s new venture at Take Two can “focus entirely” on replayable narrative.

The BioShock games are first-person shooters developed by Irrational Games and published by 2K Games. The original BioShock, which launched in 2007, has spawned two sequels, BioShock 2 and BioShock: Infinite, and the franchise has won numerous awards.

The final instalment of the series, Burial at Sea – Episode 2, will be released on March 25.