Irrational Games, the studio behind BioShock and BioShock Infinite, is laying off almost all of its employees. Only 15 members will stay on. Ken Levine, one of the founders and the public face of Irrational Games, says he is “winding down Irrational Games as you know it.”

“I’ll be starting a smaller, more entrepreneurial endeavor at Take-Two,” Levine continues. “That is going to mean parting ways with all but about fifteen members of the Irrational team. There’s no great way to lay people off, and our first concern is to make sure that the people who are leaving have as much support as we can give them during this transition.” Parent company 2K Games will offer financial support, references, and opportunities to move on to other 2K Games-owned studios to employees affected by the layoff.

As for the endeavor he mentioned, he writes, “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.”

Levine will also leave behind the world(s) of BioShock, as well. “I’m handing the reins of our creation, the BioShock universe, to 2K so our new venture can focus entirely on replayable narrative.”

oprainfall wishes only the best for those affected by the layoffs.

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