BioShock Devs Talk Irrational Layoffs, Scrapped Multiplayer, More

BioShock Infinite developer Irrational Games has undergone some major changes as of late. After letting go all but fifteen of its employees, the studio is carrying on in a much smaller and focused capacity.

Sadly, a whole bunch of people lost their jobs as a result. A few of these individuals spoke with Polygon, sharing their thoughts on what happened at Irrational Games. "Some people did seem worried about layoffs, but it seemed to me that most expected that we were going to have some downtime while the studio leadership figured out the next thing to start working on," one anonymous individual told the outlet.

Another source shared what it was like working with studio boss Ken Levine, saying:

He has incredibly high standards — standards that seemed at times to be outrageously tough when I first started. Once I learned better how to work with him, it became clear that his expectations were really no higher or more unreasonable than those of our audience. It did take me a while to understand what a good working relationship with him entailed.

And then there's the matter of multiplayer, which was scrapped during BioShock Infinite's development. According to Polygon, the studio was working on "a tower-defense game with an old-fashioned political cartoon art style, replete with racist stereotypes. The mode was itself a game set in the world of BioShock Infinite, meant to indoctrinate the fictional children of its bigoted universe." 

There was also apparently a wave-based four-player co-op mode in the works, which never saw the light of day.

If you haven't already done so, be sure to check out Ryan Bates' thoughts on Irrational's bout of layoffs.

Upcoming Releases
Embark on an inspiring mission of human connection beyond the UCA. Sam — with companions by his side — sets out on a new journey to save humanity from extinction. Join them as they traverse a world beset by otherworldly enemies, obstacles and a haunting question: should we have connected?
Star Citizen is an upcoming space trading and combat simulator video game for Microsoft Windows. Star Citizen will consist of two main components: first person space combat and trading in a massively multiplayer persistent universe and customizable private servers (known as Star Citizen), and a branching single-player game (known as Squadron 42). The game will also feature VR support.
Atlas is an action-rpg with rogue-like elements where you use your ability to control the ground to fight the enemies and move through procedurally generated worlds.
Damnview: Built From Nothing is a simulation sandbox game about occidental culture and its different social classes. Immerse yourself into a decadent urban sprawl, all while working precarious jobs where you will either be absorbed into the system, or cast out of society’s machine. Damnview: Built From Nothing is a game about despair, the hostility of capitalism, and the need…
Reviews
X