This week brought surprising news that Irrational Games will be closing. Founder Ken Levine will be starting anew within 2K Games, bringing with him approximately 15 people. The remaining employees (reported by the Boston Globe to number over 100) are now seeking new opportunities.

We reached out to 2K Games for additional comment on the matter and received some information about the disposition of the BioShock franchise. “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,” a 2K Games representative told us via email. “The BioShock universe remains a rich creative canvas for many untold stories, and we look forward to exploring the next BioShock experience.”

In addition to helping with internal placement. Irrational is holding a recruiting day for the employees who will be leaving. A number of developers and publishers have already confirmed their attendance, including Crytek (USA and global), BioWare, Retro Studios, Insomniac, Turtle Rock, Bethesda, and Gearbox. Additional studios are likely to confirm before the event.

Our Take

With so many employees of the studio moving onto other projects, 2K would do well to keep as many of them in the family to assist with the next BioShock title. The publisher will need to find an expert storyteller to properly continue the legacy, though.