Why The Irrational Exodus?
Bioshock InfiniteYes, I get that there may be a pun in the title, but it's (mostly) unintended. Developers and designers leaving a company for potentially greener grass is nothing new.
But something strange seems to be going on at developer Irrational Games, which is preparing to give us all the highly anticipated Bioshock Infinite in February. Back in August, art director Nate Wells and director of product development Tim Gerritsen left the team, which was followed by the almost immediate hiring of Rod Fergusson, formerly of Epic Games. We also heard they were forced to get rid of the intended multiplayer modes, and there were rumored reports of AI problems with your partner-in-crime, Elizabeth.
Now, as reported by Kotaku, two more key members of the Irrational team have left: AI lead Don Norbury and combat design director Clint Bundrick. Both have apparently taken new positions at Microsoft, which may or may not have any significance. Toss in producer Joe Faulstick's departure back in May and one just has to ask: What's going on at Irrational Games? Maybe Levine's vision has gotten a little too ambitious, or maybe something else is going on behind the scenes...
We're not necessarily worried about Bioshock Infinite, as a new trailer is headed our way soon. Still, we wouldn't be surprised to hear some concern from various industry analysts over this issue.
Related Game(s): Bioshock Infinite
Tags: irrational games, irrational employees, bioshock infinite, 2k games
10/15/2012 9:38:01 PM Ben Dutka
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Comments (11 posts)
WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, October 15, 2012 @ 11:39:47 PM
1 up, 1 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, October 15, 2012 @ 11:41:43 PM
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They shouldn't be shaking consumer confidence like this.
2 up, 1 down
bigrailer19
Tuesday, October 16, 2012 @ 1:30:12 AM
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1 up, 0 down
Lawless SXE
Tuesday, October 16, 2012 @ 4:18:55 AM
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0 up, 0 down
xenris
Tuesday, October 16, 2012 @ 3:13:45 PM
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I think the only reason the game got delayed was so they didn't have to directly compete with the two big shooters being launched this holiday.
I mean I know that Bioshock is much different from MoH and CoD but it would still probably get overlooked which is a darn shame.
On the other hand there are no shooters coming out at the beginning of the year around when Bioshock is, Crysis 3 comes our after and isn't as big of competitive as Call of Duty.
Thats just my hunch. I don't think there is anything to worry about. Even still we got Dishonored :D
1 up, 0 down
CanadianGuy420
Tuesday, October 16, 2012 @ 6:45:49 PM
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0 up, 0 down
Jotun
Thursday, October 18, 2012 @ 3:38:18 PM
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In terms of what this means, it means nothing. They have had two seperate highering cycles during development and they're running another big one right now to replace and expand. They've never been a bigger developer than they are right now in terms of the support they have from 2k.
People are reading a lot more into this than needs be read. I live in Boston and I have ties to this company.
0 up, 0 down
Killa Tequilla
Reply
Monday, October 15, 2012 @ 11:33:21 PM