As we learned earlier this week, Irrational's Ken Levine and a select few staffers are heading to the greener pastures of Take-Two, but what of the developer's arguably most popular franchise, BioShock, and its future projects? Turns out that's a damn good question, and it seems like no one's really sure.
2K issued a statement earlier today stating that BioShock as a brand will continue: "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. The BioShock universe remains a rich creative canvas for many untold stories, and we look forward to exploring the next BioShock experience."
Levin had promised that the second chapter of BioShock Infinite's Burial at Sea DLC would be the final project for that game, but concerning the supposed BioShock project for Sony's handheld PS Vita, 2K isn't sharing. CVG reports that a 2K representative told the outlet the company had "no update" regarding the game's status.
Regardless of that particular game, the shuttering of Irrational could be a bad signal for the franchise long term, at least that's the belief of the oft-quoted Michael Pachter. Despite the problem, the analyst doesn't believe the trouble will follow all the way up to Take-Two. Pachter recently expressed as much to GI International, saying, "The game wasn't coming out again until 2018 or so, meaning that it isn't really a big deal to the company's valuation."
Longbow Research's James Hardiman spoke more on the franchise, leaving the problems it, or the lack thereof, could pose to Take-Two to Pachter.
"I think the news is very much mixed. BioShock has proven itself to be a great franchise, albeit primarily when Levine is at the helm," said Hardiman. "Levine created the original BioShock and BioShock Infinite, two of the best reviewed games of all time, but was not involved in BioShock 2, which was generally considered to be a bit of a disappointment.
"So with Irrational no longer involved with BioShock, there is certainly the risk that quality will suffer on the next sequel, although realistically, we probably shouldn't expect that for another 2-3 years. The good news is the new studio that Levine appears to be building at Take-Two sounds awfully interesting."
As for now, the only guaranteed future for BioShock is that Chapter Two of the Burial at Sea DLC for BioShock Infinite drops on March 25. RAPTURE!
