Irrational Games Hit with Major Layoffs

Irrational Games, known for making such titles as System Shock 2, Bioshock, and Bioshock Infinite have been hit with major layoffs and are refocusing their business structure. The word comes in the form a news letter from Ken Levine, "I am winding down Irrational Games as you know it. I’ll be starting a smaller, more entrepreneurial endeavor at Take-Two. 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."

As mentioned, Ken Levine will be working in a smaller studio, still pursuing more creative story telling that Irrational was known for stating, "In time we will announce a new endeavor with a new goal: To make narrative-driven games for the core gamer that are highly replayable." Many titles coming from Irrational Games have been critically praised and loved. Many other developers have reached their hand out on twitter, giving a hopeful silver lining to this unfortunate announcement. Our heart goes out to everyone affected by the layoffs and we wish you the very best.
The BioShock franchise will now be taken over by 2K Games and it is unknown what is next for it if 2K decides to continue working on it. Irrational Games will still finish the final DLC for BioShock Infinite, which is next month's Burial at Sea Episode 2. Anyone surprised of this news? Let us know in the comments below.