Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[PSA: System Shock 2 on Steam, 30 percent off until May 17]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/psa-system-shock-2-on-steam-30-percent-off-until-may-17/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/psa-system-shock-2-on-steam-30-percent-off-until-may-17/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/psa-system-shock-2-on-steam-30-percent-off-until-may-17/#comments System Shock 2 is now available on Steam for $6.99. The first-person survival-horror game is 30 percent off until May 17.

System Shock 2 found its way to the platform courtesy of Night Dive Studios, the outfit who picked up the rights as the game's publisher in February, when System Shock 2 also launched on GOG.com. To those of you that have yet to play this game: You're running out of excuses.

JoystiqPSA: System Shock 2 on Steam, 30 percent off until May 17 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 May 2013 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Irrational-GamesKen-Levinelooking-glass-studiosnight-dive-studiospcpsaSTEAMsystem-shock-2Fri, 10 May 2013 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch Ken Levine talk about BioShock Infinite at BAFTA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/watch-ken-levine-talk-about-bioshock-infinite-at-bafta/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/watch-ken-levine-talk-about-bioshock-infinite-at-bafta/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/watch-ken-levine-talk-about-bioshock-infinite-at-bafta/#comments
Irrational Games posted the recent BAFTA evening with BioShock creator Ken Levine this weekend for your viewership. The 105-minute video sees the Irrational co-founder cover everything from the nearly-here Infinite to his self-described lucky break into the industry.

The first half is Levine's talk, in which he opens by discussing how Irrational Games came to be before focusing on how the studio's vision brought it to Infinite and the character of Elizabeth, who Levine says is the third BioShock game's Big Daddy. The second half, from the 41 minute mark onwards, is a Q&A session touching on several subjects, including how Levine "killed" the BioShock movie and why he "compromised" on Infinite's box art.

JoystiqWatch Ken Levine talk about BioShock Infinite at BAFTA originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesbioshock-infiniteirrational-gamesken-levinemicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxMon, 18 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Levine: 'I killed' the BioShock movie]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/levine-i-killed-the-bioshock-movie/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/levine-i-killed-the-bioshock-movie/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/levine-i-killed-the-bioshock-movie/#comments Ken Levine killed off the BioShock movie, here's whyStop asking about the BioShock movie. It's dead, it's all Ken Levine's fault, and this is how it went down: Pirates of the Caribbean's Gore Verbinski announced he was directing a BioShock movie in 2008, and said he wanted to make it a hard-R-rated film with "a lot of blood," Irrational Games creative director Ken Levine said during a BAFTA talk, reported by Eurogamer.

And then Watchmen came out and bombed by Hollywood standards, and the BioShock studio got cold feet. Verbinski originally wanted $200 million, but executives would commit to just $80 million, "and Gore didn't want to make a $80 million film," Levine said. Verbinski brought in a new director, 28 Weeks Later's Juan Carlos Fresnadillo, but by March he was also out, and Levine had pulled the plug.

"They brought another director in, and I didn't really see the match there - and 2K's one of these companies that puts a lot of creative trust in people," Levine said. "So they said if you want to kill it, kill it. And I killed it."

A BioShock movie could get off the ground someday, maybe, Levine said. "It may happen one day, who knows, but it'd have to be the right combination of people." After all this public, back-and-forth teasing, we'd like to ask Levine if he'd kindly make a high-profile BioShock movie happen for real.

JoystiqLevine: 'I killed' the BioShock movie originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Mar 2013 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bioshockbioshock-movieIrrational-GamesKen-Levinemicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxTue, 12 Mar 2013 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: System Shock 2 now live on GOG]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/14/psa-system-shock-2-now-live-on-gog/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/14/psa-system-shock-2-now-live-on-gog/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/14/psa-system-shock-2-now-live-on-gog/#comments That tingle you feel down your spine? System Shock 2 is now available for download on GOG.com. If you've never played System Shock 2, know it's not only one of the most influential horror games of all time, but one of the first games to make Ken Levine a household name in our household where we can't stop talking about Ken Levine.

System Shock 2 is available as a $9.99 download through GOG right now, compatible with Windows PCs. System Shock 2 is, at its core, a game about crossing barriers and embracing unconventional love, probably, so it's perfect for a Valentine's evening.

JoystiqPSA: System Shock 2 now live on GOG originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Feb 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>irrational-gamesken-levinelooking-glass-studiospcsystem-shock-2windowsThu, 14 Feb 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[System Shock 2 coming to GOG.com, Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/13/system-shock-2-coming-to-gog-com-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/13/system-shock-2-coming-to-gog-com-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/13/system-shock-2-coming-to-gog-com-steam/#comments System Shock 2 coming to GOGcom, SteamIt's been a long time coming, but System Shock 2 has finally emerged from publishing limbo and will soon arrive on GOG.com and Steam. The rights were secured by Night Dive Studios, and the game will be released via GOG tomorrow at 6AM ET. At a mere $10, it should make a wonderful, horrifying Valentine's Day gift. The timing of the Steam release remains a mystery.

For those unfamiliar with the 1999 PC classic, System Shock 2 is a first-person survival horror game with RPG elements. It was developed by Irrational Games and Looking Glass Studios, and it was designed by none other than Ken Levine (perhaps you've heard of him). If you need another point of reference, the BioShock series is considered a spiritual successor to System Shock. You like BioShock, right?

Rock, Paper, Shotgun has a rather lengthy piece detailing how Night Dive managed to secure the rights and what to expect from the GOG.com release. The download will feature a great deal of bonus content, including concept art, an interview with Ken Levine and more. Again though, the takeaway is pretty simple: As of tomorrow, System Shock 2 is back, waiting for you to play it all over again or - if you're lucky - for the very first time.

JoystiqSystem Shock 2 coming to GOG.com, Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Feb 2013 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Irrational-Gamesken-levinelooking-glass-studiospcsystem-shock-2Wed, 13 Feb 2013 10:20:00 EST<![CDATA[BioShock Infinite reverse art revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/23/bioshock-infinite-reverse-art-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/23/bioshock-infinite-reverse-art-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/23/bioshock-infinite-reverse-art-revealed/#comments BioShock Infinite reverse art revealedIrrational Games revealed the reverse cover art for BioShock Infinite today. The art chosen won 38% of fan votes on the poll posted by studio head Ken Levine earlier this month as the result of displeasure from fans over the game's official box art.

The art, the full version of which can be found after the break, will be printed on the other side of the BioShock Infinite cover. Levine noted that other alternate covers will be made available for fans to print.

Now hopefully we've all learned our lesson: It's what's on the inside that counts.

Continue reading BioShock Infinite reverse art revealed

JoystiqBioShock Infinite reverse art revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 23 Dec 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Gamesbioshockbioshock-infinitebox-artcover-artIrrational-GamesKen-Levinemicrosoftpcplaystationps3reverse-artxboxSun, 23 Dec 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Vote for BioShock Infinite's b-side cover]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/12/vote-for-bioshock-infinites-b-side-cover/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/12/vote-for-bioshock-infinites-b-side-cover/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/12/vote-for-bioshock-infinites-b-side-cover/#comments Vote for BioShock Infinite coverIrrational Games is asking the community to vote for BioShock Infinite's reversible cover art. Studio head Ken Levine asks in a post on the Irrational site for fans to vote on one of six covers:

"But what's that you say? You want even more choice in covers? We're also going to be arranging a whole mess of MORE alternate covers which will be available to download and print yourself," Levine writes. "Of course, these are free and we'd love to hear your thoughts in the [Irrational] forums as to what you'd like to see."

The cover art PR campaign comes a week after the brotastically boring cover for the fantastical Infinite was revealed. Levine mentioned shortly after the cover art drama that the box art was made for uninformed players who don't read news on gaming sites. So, you know, if you're reading this, go vote on what you want the actual cover for BioShock Infinite to be on your shelf.

JoystiqVote for BioShock Infinite's b-side cover originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Dec 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bioshock-infinitebox-artcovercover-artIrrational-Gamesken-levinemicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxWed, 12 Dec 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ken Levine on the evolving corporate culture of Irrational and hiring Rod Fergusson]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/10/ken-levine-on-the-evolving-corporate-culture-of-irrational-and-h/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/10/ken-levine-on-the-evolving-corporate-culture-of-irrational-and-h/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/10/ken-levine-on-the-evolving-corporate-culture-of-irrational-and-h/#comments

"When you work at a company, people leave and people join. We were up to almost two hundred people at one point and just mathematically you're going to have some turnover," Irrational Games president and creative director Ken Levine told Joystiq when asked how the studio's corporate culture changed after key members of its team had left.

Irrational's corporate culture really shifted, Levine said, when the studio expanded the team to tackle the scale of BioShock Infinite, the long-awaited follow-up to Irrational's 2007 critical and commercial hit BioShock.

"That's when things got a little complicated on the management side, because you have to develop structures we had never really developed before." Yet again, the mathematics of a video game project alter the way in which a team operates, Levine noted, saying that when a team is comprised of around 180 staffers, it becomes more complicated to keep a team's culture and vision while expanding structures to facilitate an expansive project and building the game itself.

"Everybody's got tasks," Levine said, clarifying that even as president of the company he is the studio's lead writer and is constantly writing material for the projects Irrational develops.

Adding Epic's former director of production Rod Fergusson to Irrational's impressive staff roster was an opportunity Levine said he had to explore immediately. "When you get a chance to hire and bring on board a guy like Rod Fergusson to work on BioShock Infinite, you're a fool if you don't do that."

"I learn from everybody," Levine said of his team at Irrational, "but Rod has just so much experience he really brought a lot to the table. I think he made it an even better game. Everything benefited from having him on board."

For more on BioShock Infinite - which was recently delayed to March 26 - make sure to read Joystiq's recent hands-on preview and watch the first part of our Ken Levine interview detailing the game's evolution.

Gallery: BioShock Infinite (12/07/2012)

JoystiqKen Levine on the evolving corporate culture of Irrational and hiring Rod Fergusson originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Dec 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bioshock-infiniteKen-Levinemicrosoftpcplaystationps3rod-fergussonvideo-interviewxboxMon, 10 Dec 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ken Levine: BioShock Infinite box art is for the uninformed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/09/ken-levine-bioshock-infinite-box-art-is-for-the-uninformed/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/09/ken-levine-bioshock-infinite-box-art-is-for-the-uninformed/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/09/ken-levine-bioshock-infinite-box-art-is-for-the-uninformed/#comments Irrational Games boss Ken Levine talked with Wired recently about the cover art for BioShock Infinite, which was unveiled just over a week ago to the groans of many. Levine compared games to salad dressing when talking about the intentions of the game's box art, saying, "I don't read Salad Dressing Weekly. I don't care who makes it, I don't know any of the personalities in the salad dressing business."

Levine said that members of the team went to frathouses to ask if gamers have played BioShock, and "not a single one of them had heard of it." He makes the distinction that the box art for BioShock Infinite is for those uninformed players that don't read news on gaming sites. So, it's not for you, dear Joystiq reader, though Levine addressed you as well, noting that the developer will be releasing a "whole set of alternate covers that you can download and print. We're going to be working with the community to see what they're interested in."

Levine added that the BioShock team had to "make that tradeoff in terms of where we were spending our marketing dollars. By the time you get to the store, or see an ad, the BioShock fan knows about the game. The money we're spending on PR, the conversations with games journalists - that's for the fans. For the people who aren't informed, that's who the box art is for."

BioShock Infinite will launch March 26, 2013 for PS3, Xbox 360 and PC. Levine also recently spoke with Joystiq about the game's themes of faith and evolution of its central character, Elizabeth.

JoystiqKen Levine: BioShock Infinite box art is for the uninformed originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 09 Dec 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Gamesbioshock-infinitebox-artcoverIrrationalIrrational-GamesKen-Levinemicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxSun, 09 Dec 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Irrational's Ken Levine on the faith of BioShock Infinite and evolving Elizabeth]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/07/irrationals-ken-levine-on-the-faith-of-bioshock-infinite-and-ev/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/07/irrationals-ken-levine-on-the-faith-of-bioshock-infinite-and-ev/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/07/irrationals-ken-levine-on-the-faith-of-bioshock-infinite-and-ev/#comments

In BioShock Infinite, the world of Columbia is under the command of man who refers to himself as a prophet and savior. Father Comstock and his flock rule the streets of the cloud city, but what kind of world is it? And why is Elizabeth, the woman players are tasked with taking out of Columbia, so crucial to the people of the city?

In an interview with Joystiq, Irrational Games boss Ken Levine details the themes of faith, how political and social issues shape gameplay, and how Elizabeth has evolved since we were first introduced to her many years ago.

For more on BioShock Infinite - which was delayed to March 26 - read our detailed impressions of the game's first two hours.

JoystiqIrrational's Ken Levine on the faith of BioShock Infinite and evolving Elizabeth originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Dec 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Gamesbioshock-infiniteIrrational-GamesKen-Levinemicrosoftpcplaystationps3Take-TwoxboxFri, 07 Dec 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BioShock Infinite delayed once again, now launching on March 26]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/07/bioshock-infinite-delayed-once-again-now-launching-march-26/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/07/bioshock-infinite-delayed-once-again-now-launching-march-26/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/07/bioshock-infinite-delayed-once-again-now-launching-march-26/#comments "Let's start with the bad news," Irrational Games boss Ken Levine told a packed room of media this week, revealing that his studio's long-awaited title BioShock Infinite has once again been delayed. The follow-up to 2007's critical and commercial hit BioShock is now scheduled to launch for the PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 on March 26, 2013.

"The game has to be the best game it could possibly be," Levine said, relaying the team's feeling - specifically from recent Irrational Games hire Rod Fergusson - that BioShock Infinite would benefit from a few more weeks of polish and bug fixing. According to Levine, the team is getting an extra month. In May 2012, publisher Take-Two announced Infinite was pushed to February 26.

As for the good news? You'll have to read our upcoming preview detailing the first two hours of BioShock Infinite for that.

JoystiqBioShock Infinite delayed once again, now launching on March 26 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Dec 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bioshock-infiniteIrrational-GamesKen-Levinemicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxFri, 07 Dec 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BioShock Infinite won't feature multiplayer, Levine confirms]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/26/bioshock-infinite-wont-feature-multiplayer-levine-confirms/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/26/bioshock-infinite-wont-feature-multiplayer-levine-confirms/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/26/bioshock-infinite-wont-feature-multiplayer-levine-confirms/#comments BioShock Infinite won't feature multiplayerThe game may be Infinite, but the number of players is limited to one. The third BioShock game doesn't include multiplayer, as confirmed by series creator Ken Levine on Twitter.

There's been speculation about multiplayer features in Infinite, with reports of modes cut in conjunction with staff changes at developer Irrational Games. BioShock 2 introduced competitive multiplayer to the series, a divisive move given the acclaim for the first game as a story-driven, single-player experience.

With BioShock Infinite due in a few months, fans are already looking ahead to the series' future on the next batch of consoles. One Twitter user asked Levine if he'd prefer to work on a new IP, or would he be taking BioShock to next-gen platforms. Levine's reply? "Not sure." Maybe he's stuck on how he'll mathematically number the next one.

JoystiqBioShock Infinite won't feature multiplayer, Levine confirms originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Nov 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesbioshock-infiniteirrational-gamesken-levinemicrosoftmultiplayerpcplaystationps3xboxMon, 26 Nov 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Play as Sid Meier, Ken Levine in XCOM: Enemy Unknown]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/11/play-as-sid-meier-ken-levine-in-xcom-enemy-unknown/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/11/play-as-sid-meier-ken-levine-in-xcom-enemy-unknown/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/11/play-as-sid-meier-ken-levine-in-xcom-enemy-unknown/#comments Play as Sid Meier, Ken Levine in XCOMAn XCOM: Enemy Unknown Easter egg allows players to bring in the heavy hitters when times are bleakest. PC Gamer points out that certain soldier names will activate "XCOM Heroes," who are pre-designed super soldiers.

Name alterations for soldier unlocks that have worked so far are Sid Meier, Ken Levine, Joe Kelly and Otto Zander. The one caveat for this phenomenal cosmic super soldier creation power is that once these heroes are summoned the achievements for the game will be turned off.

We also concur with PC Gamer's request that you make sure Levine lives, since after saving humanity from aliens we'd appreciate him finishing BioShock: Infinite.

JoystiqPlay as Sid Meier, Ken Levine in XCOM: Enemy Unknown originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Oct 2012 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesfiraxisFiraxis-Gamesken-levinemicrosoftpcplaystationps3Take-Two-Interactivexboxxcom-enemy-unknownThu, 11 Oct 2012 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation All-Stars features writing by Ken Levine]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/04/playstation-all-stars-features-writing-by-ken-levine/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/04/playstation-all-stars-features-writing-by-ken-levine/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/04/playstation-all-stars-features-writing-by-ken-levine/#comments PlayStation AllStars features writing by Ken LevineThe PlayStation All-Stars: Battle Royale team has been very careful to treat the game's many franchises with respect, said director Omar Kendall in an interview with Polygon. "We take this very seriously, and sometimes the IP holders know best, and obviously we want to present the characters in the best way for the developers and the fans," he said, after noting that Irrational creative director Ken Levine wrote the dialogue for the Big Daddy / Little Sister character. According to Kendall, Levine "wrote every line of script and dialogue" for the pair.

The same care went into every character, with each studio getting "complete, 100 percent approval" on its characters, he said. That includes characters owned by Sony studios, like Nathan Drake, the star of Naughty Dog's Uncharted series.

As for Levine's script, we're presuming it includes several instances of "Mr. Bubbles" and "MMMRRUUUNGGHHH!"

JoystiqPlayStation All-Stars features writing by Ken Levine originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Oct 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ken-levineplaystationplaystation-all-stars-battle-royaleplaystation-vitaps3superbot-entertainmentvitaThu, 04 Oct 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Art of BioShock Infinite wants you to pre-order its propaganda]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/12/the-art-of-bioshock-infinite-wants-you-to-pre-order-its-propagan/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/12/the-art-of-bioshock-infinite-wants-you-to-pre-order-its-propagan/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/12/the-art-of-bioshock-infinite-wants-you-to-pre-order-its-propagan/#comments Art of Bioshock Infinite available for preorder on AmazonThe Art of BioShock Infinite, a compendium of concept art, character designs and production stills, will launch on February 27, the day after the game itself drops, MTV Multiplayer reports. The art book is published by Dark Horse, who is behind the Hyrule Historia and many other gaming-comics crossovers, such as the Valve and Mass Effect collections.

The Art of Bioshock Infinite will feature an introduction from franchise creator Ken Levine. Along with confirmed character designs for Booker, Elizabeth and Songbird, we expect to see a few sketches of the game's notable enemies as well. Amazon has the book available for pre-order, with a list price of $40 and a release date that doesn't yet match up with the official announcement.

See the full cover for The Art of BioShock Infinite below.

Continue reading The Art of BioShock Infinite wants you to pre-order its propaganda

JoystiqThe Art of BioShock Infinite wants you to pre-order its propaganda originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Sep 2012 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artbioshock-infinitedark-horsedark-horse-comicsIrrational-GamesKen-Levinemicrosoftpcplaystationps3the-art-of-bioshock-infinitexboxWed, 12 Sep 2012 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Levine: 'I'm not going to stop people' from leaving Irrational]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/09/levine-im-not-going-to-stop-people-from-leaving-irrational/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/09/levine-im-not-going-to-stop-people-from-leaving-irrational/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/09/levine-im-not-going-to-stop-people-from-leaving-irrational/#comments Levine 'I'm not going to stop people' from leaving IrrationalArt director Nate Wells worked at Irrational Games for 13 years, beginning in September 1999 and the company's System Shock 2 days. Yesterday we discovered Wells and a handful of other people working on BioShock Infinite were no longer with Irrational, and Wells' Twitter briefly teased a job change before being deleted. While the bulk of people leaving Irrational can be chalked up to industry turnover, Wells' departure stands out for the public and Irrational Games founder Ken Levine.

"In a company of 200 people you're going to have turnover," Levine tells Kotaku. "We never like to see a guy like Nate leave because he's been here for a long time, but it's been 13 years and I think sometimes people want to spread their wings. I'm not going to stop people. We love Nate and I think we all remain friends. After 13 years he sort of finished his work on BioShock Infinite, as you will be able to tell when you see the game again... I think Nate's moving on to something else."

Replacing Wells is Scott Sinclair, the art director for the first BioShock. This rounds out the core BioShock team that has stuck with the franchise - which is an achievement all on its own, Levine says:

"As far as the team itself, the lead artist, the art director, the creative director, the lead effects artist, the senior sound guy, the lead programer and the lead AI programmer from BioShock 1 are all on BioShock Infinite. I don't think there's a single senior BioShock team member that isn't here, which I think is amazing and a testament to their commitment to the studio."

JoystiqLevine: 'I'm not going to stop people' from leaving Irrational originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Aug 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bioshock-infiniteIrrationalIrrational-GamesKen-Levinemicrosoftnate-wellspcplaystationps3xboxThu, 09 Aug 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA['Critical Path' trailer is loaded with games industry talent]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/22/critical-path-trailer-is-loaded-with-games-industry-talent/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/22/critical-path-trailer-is-loaded-with-games-industry-talent/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/22/critical-path-trailer-is-loaded-with-games-industry-talent/#comments 'Critical Path' trailer appears, loaded with industry talentA trailer for Critical Path, a "transmedia project exploring the art, philosophy, politics and psychology of video games" recently surfaced. The trailer, created by a Los Angeles-based studio named Artifact, shows dozens of game designers talking about their craft and the place games take in the history of expressive media. The project aims to "give game designers their due as innovators and influencers of culture."

Critical Path is described as the culmination of "two years of filming and archiving" interviews, according to Artifact's site. "User feedback will influence future interviews, which will be added to the archive on an ongoing basis."

Among the 37 names listed at the end of the trailer are Warren Spector, Jenova Chen, John Carmack, David Cage, Cliff Bleszinski, Ken Levine, Peter Molyneux, Tim Schafer and Hideo Kojima. You can watch the trailer here.

Joystiq'Critical Path' trailer is loaded with games industry talent originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 22 Jul 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artifactartifact-studioscliff-bleszinskicritical-pathdavid-cagehideo-kojimajenova-chenJohn-CarmackKen-LevinePeter-MolyneuxTim-Schafertrailerwarren-spectorSun, 22 Jul 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Irrational's Levine, BioWare's Gaider, and Obsidian's Avellone on why story matters in games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/irrationals-levine-biowares-gaiter-and-obsidians-avellone-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/irrationals-levine-biowares-gaiter-and-obsidians-avellone-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/irrationals-levine-biowares-gaiter-and-obsidians-avellone-o/#comments
I grew up reading and loving fiction. As I've aged and taken up a profession in journalism, I've erred on the side of nonfiction. And these days, most of my storytelling experiences come from film, television, and video games. But I'd be lying if I said that many of those story experiences - especially in the gaming medium - left the same impression on me as the works of Marquez or Vonnegut.

In late summer 2007, I played BioShock, and my tune began to change. Six months later, I played Mass Effect, and my stance on games as storytelling devices was altered even further. Somewhere along the line, between Jill sandwiches and lost princesses, game devs started implementing stories that I actually cared about.

Fast-forward to 2011, and the concept of games as storytelling devices is more accepted than ever. But games haven't changed - they're still mechanically driven constructs, and they still allow player agency to run all over what the game dev set out for you to experience. I found myself having conversations with Kotaku's Jason Schreier over the course of the past year about this seeming duality within games. We felt it was time for a proper discussion.

Enter: "Plot vs. Play: The Duality of Modern Game Design," the panel Schreier and I hosted at PAX East. Our idea was to gather several game developers who've tackled this duality head on, and have them discuss their individual approaches to navigating that issue. Irrational Games creative director Ken Levine, Obsidian Entertainment creative director Chris Avellone, and BioWare lead writer David Gaider were our first team of game devs to take up the challenge - something we hope to continue at future PAXes - and they did a great job.

In our rush to prepare for both the panel and that weekend's coverage plans at our respective outlets, neither Jason nor myself thought to set up a video camera to catch the event on tape. Thankfully, Mash Those Buttons captured the whole hour and put it up on YouTube, which I've dropped above.

Let us know what you think, and please suggest any devs you'd like to see play a part in future versions of "Plot vs Play." We're open to ideas!

JoystiqIrrational's Levine, BioWare's Gaider, and Obsidian's Avellone on why story matters in games originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebioware-austinchris-avellonedavid-gaiderdavid-gaiterirrationalirrational-gamesken-levineobisidianobsidian-entertainmentpax-eastpax-east-2012plot-vs-playplot-vs-play-2012plot-vs-play-the-duality-of-modern-game-designMon, 23 Apr 2012 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[An Irrational fear of monsters]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/an-irrational-fear-of-monsters/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/an-irrational-fear-of-monsters/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/an-irrational-fear-of-monsters/#comments Image"A good monster is a monster you can imagine in repose."

That was the advice acclaimed horror writer and director Guillermo del Toro gave Ken Levine, the creator of the BioShock franchise, during a conversation on the Irrational Games podcast. Levine takes those words to heart in his own creative direction, and before building any terrifying monsters, he makes sure Irrational develops a rich, empathetic backstory that places each of the deformed, viciously homicidal creatures in routine settings, where they perform the most base of actions: contributing to society, petting a dog, relaxing, mourning.

Four Irrational members - Levine, art director Nate Wells, lead artist Shawn Robertson, and sound man Pat Balthrop - gave the PAX audience a glimpse into the secret lives and creation of five major BioShock Infinite villains: the Motorized Patriot, Handyman, Siren, Boys of Silence and Songbird.

Continue reading An Irrational fear of monsters

JoystiqAn Irrational fear of monsters originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesbioshock-infiniteguillermo-del-toroHeavy-HittersirrationalIrrational-GamesKen-Levinemicrosoftmonstersnate-wellspat-balthroppax-eastpax-east-2012pcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3rob-watersshawn-robertsontake-twotake-two-interactivevitaxboxMon, 09 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Levine wants to show you BioShock on Vita, not talk about it]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/levine-wants-to-show-you-bioshock-on-vita-not-talk-about-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/levine-wants-to-show-you-bioshock-on-vita-not-talk-about-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/levine-wants-to-show-you-bioshock-on-vita-not-talk-about-it/#comments "It's something completely different that we're crafting," Irrational Games boss Ken Levine tells me as I press him for details on BioShock for the PlayStation Vita. Levine revealed during Sony's media briefing at E3 2011 (pictured) that the new handheld would be home to a unique experience set in the BioShock universe.

"It's not BioShock Infinite ported to the Vita," he reiterates.

Moments earlier, Levine highlighted a point of frustration that comes with making announcements. While happy to discuss BioShock Infinite's October 16 release date, his Twitter feed immediately filled with questions about the "next thing, or the 'Collector's Edition,' or the Vita game." And here I am, falling into the same trap as his Twitter followers -- asking new questions when old ones are answered.

When might we hear more about the portable experience? "Look," he says with an emerging laugh in his voice, "we're working on it. We're trying to figure that [announcement timing] out. I ideally wouldn't have talked about the Vita game when I did. It was understandably important that, you know, Sony wanted us to share that information."

Continue reading Levine wants to show you BioShock on Vita, not talk about it

JoystiqLevine wants to show you BioShock on Vita, not talk about it originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bioshockbioshock-infiniteIrrational-GamesKen-Levineplaystationplaystation-vitavitaThu, 08 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Introducing BioShock Infinite's second heavy hitter: George Washington with a mini-gun]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/introducing-bioshock-infinites-second-heavy-hitter-george-wa/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/introducing-bioshock-infinites-second-heavy-hitter-george-wa/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/introducing-bioshock-infinites-second-heavy-hitter-george-wa/#comments
There's a new breed of baddie coming to BioShock Infinite. Dubbed the "Heavy Hitters," these menacing foes are another in a long line of defense against Booker DeWitt, protagonist and trespasser in the floating city of Columbia.

The 'Motorized Patriot' is a machine that wields a mini-gun and dons a horrifying wax mask, modeled after George Washington. Unlike the residents of Columbia, Heavy Hitters are relentless in their attack, and don't hesitate.

"We perceived a lack of variety in the enemies in BioShock," Irrational Games boss Ken Levine tells me over the phone. "There tend to be a lot of Splicers with weapons -- that was the primary thing you dealt with -- or there were a couple of them with plasmids. And then you had the Big Daddies. We really wanted to broaden out the pool [for BioShock Infinite]."

A total of four 'Heavy Hitters' are featured in BioShock Infinite. The hunkering, horse-throwing beast from the original gameplay trailer -- dubbed 'The Handyman' -- is another. Each has unique characteristics, and each ask for different tactics if you hope to defeat them.

Irrational's intent isn't for Heavy Hitters be the 'Infinite versions' of BioShock's iconic Big Daddy, Levine says. It was a matter of expanding the variety of enemies for players.

"We're not trying to recreate anything 'note-for-note.' If I have a C-Sharp in BioShock, I'm not really looking to necessarily have a C-Sharp in BioShock Infinite," Levine explains before apologizing for being "a music nerd."

"I want the kind of vibe to feel the same and the piece to feel like they're connected." There are "a ton of things" that connect the two games, he says, but only because the team feels their inclusion "organically worked" in BioShock Infinite. Irrational doesn't want to fall into the trap of feeling forced to add something to its next game, simply because it was prevalent in the first one in the series.

BioShock Infinite launches for the PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3 on October 16.

JoystiqIntroducing BioShock Infinite's second heavy hitter: George Washington with a mini-gun originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bioshock-infiniteIrrational-GamesKen-Levinemicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxThu, 08 Mar 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BioShock Infinite to include tougher '1999 Mode']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/bioshock-infinite-to-include-tougher-1999-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/bioshock-infinite-to-include-tougher-1999-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/bioshock-infinite-to-include-tougher-1999-mode/#comments BioShock Infinite is gonna hurt you like it's 1999. Developer Irrational Games announced the "1999 Mode" for the upcoming RPG slash FPS this morning, and it appears to go beyond just messing with health stats for a more challenging game experience.

"I'm an old school gamer. We wanted to make sure we were taking into account the play styles of gamers like me," said Irrational's creative director Ken Levine. "So we went straight to the horse's mouth by asking them, on our website, a series of questions about how they play our games."

Levine continued, "94.6 percent of respondents indicated that upgrade choices enhanced their BioShock gameplay experience; however, 56.8 percent indicated that being required to make permanent decisions about their character would have made the game even better."

The 1999 Mode will include unnamed tweaks and features that won't exist in the standard BioSchock Infinite experience. It will also "feature demanding weapon, power, and health management," along with a "Game Over" screen if the player lacks the resources for a respawn. The company is unlikely to cover incidental damages to property caused by playing 1999 Mode.

For a look at a roughed up version of Elizabeth from the newly revealed mode, head past the jump.

Continue reading BioShock Infinite to include tougher '1999 Mode'

JoystiqBioShock Infinite to include tougher '1999 Mode' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>19991999-mode2k-gamesbioshock-infiniteirrationalirrational-gamesken-levinemicrosoftpcplaystationps3take-twoTake-Two-InteractivexboxThu, 19 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Levine gets dramatic when writing, directing for BioShock: Infinite]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/levine-gets-dramatic-when-writing-directing-for-bioshock-infin/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/levine-gets-dramatic-when-writing-directing-for-bioshock-infin/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/levine-gets-dramatic-when-writing-directing-for-bioshock-infin/#comments Irrational Games' Ken Levine writes video games through the lens of a playwright and stage director, having penned plays since the age of 14 and majoring in drama in college. This perspective on storytelling helped him write the audio logs in BioShock, and it's shaping the way he directs the voice actors -- in person for the first time -- in BioShock: Infinite, Levine told Gamasutra.

Writing Elizabeth and Booker, Infinite's main characters, was a completely different process than writing BioShock's antagonist, Andrew Ryan, Levine said. "I always had Ayn Rand in my ear while I was writing him, and she is quite articulate in her viewpoints. So he was a pretty easy character to write, for me," Levine said.

"Booker and Elizabeth, because there's a very different constraint set, because I haven't done this kind of writing for a game before, where you sort of have all this dynamism with a character you're walking around the world with, that you're speaking to, as Booker... just the mechanics of it!"

Levine said he was inspired by the easy banter Naughty Dog placed in Uncharted, and he saw how it could transfer to a period piece. As he describes them, Levine's characters are unique to their time period and his own imagination: "Elizabeth is a person who sees nothing and wants to see everything, and Booker is somebody who's seen everything and wants to see nothing. They're at opposite ends of the spectrum."

The full (and long) interview is here, if you're interested in details about how Levine makes women weep.

JoystiqLevine gets dramatic when writing, directing for BioShock: Infinite originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bioshock-infinitedirectingIrrational-GamesKen-Levinemicrosoftpcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3vitavoice-actingwritingxboxMon, 09 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[2K Australia is 2K Australia again and is working on BioShock Infinite, Levine confirms]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/27/2k-australia-is-2k-australia-again-and-is-working-on-bioshock-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/27/2k-australia-is-2k-australia-again-and-is-working-on-bioshock-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/27/2k-australia-is-2k-australia-again-and-is-working-on-bioshock-in/#comments So we don't run the risk of burying the lede, let's start with the news: MVC Pacific reports that the Canberra, Australia-based arm of developer 2K Marin is once again known as 2K Australia and is now working with former sister studio Irrational Games on BioShock Infinite. When asked for comment, Irrational boss man Ken Levine said, "We had a number of open positions on BioShock Infinite. When we found out our former sister studio 2K Australia was becoming available, we thought they would perfectly fill those roles."

He added, "If every decision was this easy..."

Now, some history. In 2007, after Irrational Games was purchased by Take-Two and just before the release of the original BioShock, the studio was split apart and renamed 2K Boston and 2K Australia. Since then, 2K Boston has become Irrational Games, once again, but 2K Australia hasn't had it so easy.

After working with 2K Marin on BioShock 2, it was decided that 2K Australia would lose its name and become a part of 2K Marin (which is a tad geographically misleading, no?) and help develop the XCOM reboot. Less than a year later, the 2K Australia studio head Martin Slater resigned and just last month it was reported that 15 employees were cut from the studio.

And now, over four years after the creation of 2K Australia, 2K Australia is back and once again working with Levine's team in Boston. We've reached out to 2K Games for any additional commentary on the shuffle and whether or not 2K Australia has any more involvement in XCOM. But while we're waiting, we wanted to say "welcome back" to the team in Canberra. Oh, and enough navel gazing. BioShock Infinite isn't going to make itself.

Joystiq2K Australia is 2K Australia again and is working on BioShock Infinite, Levine confirms originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 27 Nov 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Australiabioshock-infiniteIrrational-GamesKen-Levinemicrosoftplaystationps3Take-TwoxboxSun, 27 Nov 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Levine: BioShock Infinite won't favor close-range weapons, Objectivism]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/12/levine-bioshock-infinite-wont-favor-close-range-weapons-objec/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/12/levine-bioshock-infinite-wont-favor-close-range-weapons-objec/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/12/levine-bioshock-infinite-wont-favor-close-range-weapons-objec/#comments Ken Levine and the team at Irrational Games are switching things up for BioShock Infinite -- instead of being based on the Objectivist society of Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged, Infinite is aiming for more of an Erik Larson's Devil in the White City feel, with a focus on physics rather than gene splicing. Irrational is also switching up some of the most recognizable gameplay from the first two BioShock games, namely the ability to beat them almost entirely with the shotgun and Electro Bolt, Levine told PlayStation.Blog.
"One of the first things we did when we started on BioShock Infinite was to draw a graph with y and z axes, and to say that one of those axes was the number of enemies in an encounter and the other was the range of those enemies," Levine said. "In the original BioShock, the entire game lived in one corner of that graph - few enemies, all at close range - so the Electro Bolt and shotgun were perfect. BioShock Infinite is going to have much greater ranges and, potentially, far more enemies, so we're greatly increasing the spectrum of encounters that are possible, and that requires the player use a broader set of tools."
That sounds like a challenge if we've ever heard one. You're on, Levine. You're on.

JoystiqLevine: BioShock Infinite won't favor close-range weapons, Objectivism originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 Nov 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bioshock-infiniteElectro-BoltKen-Levinemicrosoftpcphysicsplaystationplaystation-vitaps3shotgunvitaxboxSat, 12 Nov 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Going even deeper into BioShock Infinite's voice acting]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/04/going-even-deeper-into-bioshock-infinites-voice-acting/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/04/going-even-deeper-into-bioshock-infinites-voice-acting/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/04/going-even-deeper-into-bioshock-infinites-voice-acting/#comments
Last week we brought you the first half of a two part feature with Irrational Games head Ken Levine coaching BioShock Infinite's two main voice actors. This week, we've got Booker (Troy Baker) yelling at Elizabeth (Courtnee Draper) to elicit emotion-filled lines. Next week? Tigers.

JoystiqGoing even deeper into BioShock Infinite's voice acting originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Nov 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesbioshock-infinitecourtnee-draperirrationalirrational-gamesken-levinemicrosoftpcplaystationps3take-twotake-two-interactivetroy-bakervoice-actingxboxFri, 04 Nov 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ken Levine and Guillermo del Toro talk films, monsters, and narrative on latest Irrational Interviews]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/31/ken-levine-and-guillermo-del-toro-talk-films-monsters-and-narr/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/31/ken-levine-and-guillermo-del-toro-talk-films-monsters-and-narr/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/31/ken-levine-and-guillermo-del-toro-talk-films-monsters-and-narr/#comments We've got a perfect excuse for you to once again don that Big Daddy costume from Halloween of aught seven: a podcast. Wait, wait, hear us out -- the podcast is Irrational Games' own "Irrational Interviews," and stars none other than BioShock and BioShock Infinite creative lead Ken Levine. Oh, also, it's totally Halloween again, so you probably need a costume anyway.

Furthermore, Mr. Levine's speaking with film director slash game developer Guillermo del Toro -- behind films such as Pan's Labyrinth and Blade 2, and heading up creative duties on THQ's inSane -- and it's just the first half of a two-parter. If it were ever a good day to hear two creative virtuosos wax philosophical about making scary monsters, today is that day.

JoystiqKen Levine and Guillermo del Toro talk films, monsters, and narrative on latest Irrational Interviews originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 Oct 2011 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bioshock-infiniteblade-2guillermo-del-toroinsaneirrationalirrational-gamesirrational-interviewsken-levinepans-labyrinthpodcastpodcastsMon, 31 Oct 2011 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Levine: Occupy Wall Street and tea party mirror revolution in BioShock Infinite]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/28/levine-occupy-wall-street-and-tea-party-mirror-revolution-in-bi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/28/levine-occupy-wall-street-and-tea-party-mirror-revolution-in-bi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/28/levine-occupy-wall-street-and-tea-party-mirror-revolution-in-bi/#comments Irrational Games' creative frontman Ken Levine started Occupy Wall Street in a city in the sky, a year before the first tent was pitched on the ground in Manhattan -- and if his timeline of events in BioShock Infinite is any indication of our own future, we'd better start building some evacuation skyhooks yesterday. Levine draws parallels between the fighting political factions in Infinite, the Founders and the Vox Populi, and the OWS and tea party movements, in an interview with the Washington Post. But it doesn't start -- or stop -- there:

"In this world, we came up with the idea of looking at what was happening at the time of the game [the 1890s], with the jingoism movement and the nationalist movement versus internationalist movement," Levine said. "This was before the tea party, before Occupy Wall Street. Actually, when people saw that demo, they thought we were aping the tea party; they thought it was a hit piece on the Tea Party. But these movements tend to happen. There have been nationalist and nativist movements many times through history.

"As we developed these opposing groups," Levine continued, "the Founders versus the Vox Populi, it was interesting to see this play out in real time, so that the fictional movements we're creating that are set in this heightened past are almost being duplicated in reality."

The polarizing views in the game mirror real-life partisan perception of the BioShock games, Levine said, with people on both sides vilifying them for opposing reasons. Infinite demonstrates a possible outcome of such political extremes, with Columbia seceding from McKinley-era America and devolving into violent drama. "I hope the real-life movements don't head to the same place, though," Levine said. "I'm not going anywhere nice, I'll tell you that much."

JoystiqLevine: Occupy Wall Street and tea party mirror revolution in BioShock Infinite originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Oct 2011 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bioshock-infiniteIrrational-GamesKen-Levinemicrosoftoccupy-wall-streetOccupyWallStreetpcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3tea-partyvitavox-populixboxFri, 28 Oct 2011 15:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Too many chefs: Ken Levine's thoughts on auteurship, editorship, and his work on the BioShock film]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/26/too-many-chefs-ken-levines-thoughts-on-auteurship-editorship/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/26/too-many-chefs-ken-levines-thoughts-on-auteurship-editorship/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/26/too-many-chefs-ken-levines-thoughts-on-auteurship-editorship/#comments When it comes to the development behind BioShock 1 and BioShock Infinite, Irrational Games studio head Ken Levine described his role as that of "editor of a magazine ... but I'm also a writer for the magazine," putting things into terms that my word-addled brain could understand. "I believe more in editorship. Auteur sounds like you do everything," he began, making a point to preface his following description with a nod to the other 100-ish folks employed at his Massachusetts studio.

That aside, Levine was clear that his role on Infinite is absolutely that of creative lead, not just creative oversight. "This is my game. And I love the fact that we sit down and chat with each other [Levine and other game devs outside of Irrational], but at the end of the day ... this thing's gotta be my decision."

When it came to the translation of BioShock 1 from game to film, however, Levine's role changed -- even though he had been creative lead (head editor?) during the game's development. "If I were to make a game that was based on somebody else's franchise, you need somebody there who's going to say, 'This is true to the franchise, this isn't true to the franchise.' So that was more my role in the film," he explained.

Continue reading Too many chefs: Ken Levine's thoughts on auteurship, editorship, and his work on the BioShock film

JoystiqToo many chefs: Ken Levine's thoughts on auteurship, editorship, and his work on the BioShock film originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Oct 2011 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesbioshockbioshock-infiniteirrationalirrational-gamesken-levinemicrosoftnyccnycc-2011pcplaystationps3take-twotake-two-interactivexboxWed, 26 Oct 2011 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Irrational's Ken Levine on BioShock's final boss and how Infinite's solution is 'more in our wheelhouse']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/18/irrationals-ken-levine-on-bioshocks-final-boss-and-how-infinit/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/18/irrationals-ken-levine-on-bioshocks-final-boss-and-how-infinit/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/18/irrationals-ken-levine-on-bioshocks-final-boss-and-how-infinit/#comments "So every game we make, we always say to ourselves -- back on BioShock 1, we had that terrible showdown fight at the end -- we're not good at that, let's not do that again. And then somehow, we end up ... it's like ... 'Baby I'll never hit you again, I'm changed, I'm changed!' And then we did it!"

Irrational Games head and BioShock 1 creative lead Ken Levine struggled through that explanation this past weekend, pausing often, sighing a lot, and doubling back to be extra clear. His sentiment was certainly definitive, though: even he wasn't a big fan of the game's final boss fight with Atlas. "I think the boss battle in BioShock 1 -- the real boss battle -- is Andrew Ryan."

I had asked about how BioShock Infinite, the studio's next game, would deal with boss fights, as the Atlas battle in the first BioShock title was seen by many as the lowest point in an otherwise spectacular experience. "I think we need to stay in our wheelhouse," he explained. "We're not Shadow of the Colossus. Those guys have a genius for that. We don't have that particular genius." Without getting into anything specific, and recognizing that it would be a "missed opportunity" not to do something with Songbird (Infinite's airborne antagonist), Levine said gamers should expect something more akin to the Andrew Ryan resolution in BioShock 1.

Continue reading Irrational's Ken Levine on BioShock's final boss and how Infinite's solution is 'more in our wheelhouse'

JoystiqIrrational's Ken Levine on BioShock's final boss and how Infinite's solution is 'more in our wheelhouse' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesandrew-ryanatlasbioshockbioshock-infiniteboss-fightsirrationalirrational-gamesken-levinemicrosoftnyccnycc-2011pcplaystationps3take-twotake-two-interactivexboxTue, 18 Oct 2011 15:20:00 EST<![CDATA['Irrational Interviews' pairs Ken Levine with the BioWare docs on latest episode]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/31/irrational-interviews-pairs-ken-levine-with-the-bioware-docs-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/31/irrational-interviews-pairs-ken-levine-with-the-bioware-docs-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/31/irrational-interviews-pairs-ken-levine-with-the-bioware-docs-o/#comments When we tipped you in the past about Irrational Games' ongoing series of podcasts, dubbed "Irrational Interviews," we may not have been emphatic enough about becoming an ongoing listener. To date, not a single episode has been less than interesting, and this week's episode with the BioWare doctors goes far beyond that all-too-general adjective.

The trio cover everything from their disparate, non-game industry backgrounds, to the myriad difficulties involved in growing a studio, to the requisite "where is the industry going" conversation (unfortunately, even these folks don't know for sure). And clocking in at around half an hour, you can easily fit it in while your significant other watches another episode of the Jersey Shore.

[Image credit: Flickr user 'richcz3']

Joystiq'Irrational Interviews' pairs Ken Levine with the BioWare docs on latest episode originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Aug 2011 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeaea-biowareelectronic-artsgreg-zeschukirrationalirrational-gamesirrational-interviewsken-levineray-muzykaStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublicWed, 31 Aug 2011 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BioShock Infinite PAX panel video explores the importance of relationships, crying in tiny rooms]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/29/bioshock-infinite-pax-panel-video-explores-the-importance-of-rel/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/29/bioshock-infinite-pax-panel-video-explores-the-importance-of-rel/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/29/bioshock-infinite-pax-panel-video-explores-the-importance-of-rel/#comments
PAX can be a fantastic catalyst for news and breaking information about upcoming games, but it also provides a unique window into the development process that we as consumers don't often get a chance to see. This year's BioShock Infinite panel, for instance, dove into the art of voice-acting, the challenges associated with dynamic story telling in a first person environment, and the benefits associated with crying in a 5-by-6 closet while strangers viciously berate you.

The panel, hosted by G4's Adam Sessler, starred Irrational Games' Creative Director Ken Levine, as well as voice actors Troy Baker and Courtnee Draper, who voice Infinite's Booker DeWitt and Elizabeth, respectively. The group covered a wide range of topics regarding Infinite's lead characters, their motivations, and the somewhat unorthodox techniques used to extract such emotional performances from the actors.

Despite being fairly F-bomb heavy, the above video doesn't disclose any information we weren't already aware of, so the spoiler-cautious among you need not worry.

JoystiqBioShock Infinite PAX panel video explores the importance of relationships, crying in tiny rooms originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Aug 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioShockbioshock-infiniteCourtnee-DraperIrrational-GamesKen-Levinemicrosoftpax-2011pax-prime-2011PAX2011pcplaystationps3Troy-BakerxboxMon, 29 Aug 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ken Levine talks BioShock: Infinite on PS3, Move functionality]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/09/ken-levine-talks-bioshock-infinite-on-ps3-move-functionality/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/09/ken-levine-talks-bioshock-infinite-on-ps3-move-functionality/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/09/ken-levine-talks-bioshock-infinite-on-ps3-move-functionality/#comments Bioshock: Infinite Do you really need an excuse to watch Ken Levine talk about BioShock: Infinite? Fine, for starters, he discusses the game's PlayStation Move support and his thoughts on the Vita. Second, he's rocking a sweet beard. Now watch it already.

PS Blog also posted a few choice quotes from the designer about the process of creating Infinite for the PS3, noting specifically that, unlike the first BioShock, Infinite has been designed with the PS3 in mind from the outset. Levine noted that Irrational has become "very familiar" with the console and that the team is working to "leverage" the hardware as best it can.

Levine also discussed the subject of replayability. While he wouldn't confirm whether or not Infinite will have a "new game plus" mode, Irrational is putting "a lot" of thought into the game's longevity. "People will see more as time goes on," Levine noted.

Head over to PlayStation Blog for more info, including Levine's thoughts on 3D, politics in games and the PS Vita.

JoystiqKen Levine talks BioShock: Infinite on PS3, Move functionality originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Aug 2011 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bioshock-infiniteken-levinekennyLmicrosoftplaystationplaystation-vitaps-vitaps3pspsonyvitaxboxTue, 09 Aug 2011 13:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Levine reveals the psychology behind Bioshock Infinite]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/09/levine-reveals-the-psychology-behind-bioshock-infinite/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/09/levine-reveals-the-psychology-behind-bioshock-infinite/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/09/levine-reveals-the-psychology-behind-bioshock-infinite/#comments We've seen the hypnotic 15-minute trailer for Bioshock Infinite, but much more lies beneath the floating surface of Columbia. Levine revealed the method behind Irrational's madness in a lengthy interview with Rock, Paper, Shotgun this week, discussing the stress to make Infinite perfect and the trials of living in a dream within a dream.

Levine wants the story and AI behind Elizabeth to run so smoothly that players fall in love with her, which means innovating her every motion with a mix of scripted scenes and environment-induced emergence. Levine said Irrational are also taking a psychological approach to the player's relationship with Elizabeth, through the heady ritual of self-sacrifice:
I started thinking about how a very sick patient often rapidly feels an intense bond with their doctor, because they're in danger. The same is true of people in combat. This tuned us to the nature of sacrifice, and to what a character wants and will sacrifice to get it. Elizabeth wants to control her own destiny and she'd rather die than not control her own destiny. We thought that this was something people could empathize with, but we also thought that sacrifice rapidly builds connections between people.
After that, the interview takes a decidedly philosophical "Is this all a dream? Why are we here? Who is the boss?" turn, but if you're interested check out the full interview on RPS.

JoystiqLevine reveals the psychology behind Bioshock Infinite originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 09 Jul 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bioshock-infinitebooker-dewittElizabethKen-Levinemicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxSat, 09 Jul 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BioShock Infinite E3 demo video coming July 7, first two minutes right here]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/30/bioshock-infinite-e3-demo-video-coming-july-7-first-two-minutes/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/30/bioshock-infinite-e3-demo-video-coming-july-7-first-two-minutes/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/30/bioshock-infinite-e3-demo-video-coming-july-7-first-two-minutes/#comments
You've surely already read about what we saw during the E3 demo of BioShock Infinite, from the sky-lines to Elizabeth's tearing ability and all of the other quirks of the floating city of Columbia. But perhaps that's not enough for you. Perhaps you want to pick over the experience yourself, looking for succulent secrets and tasty hints that we game press types may have somehow missed.

In that case, you're in luck: Ken Levine says the entire 15-minute demo will be shown on Spike TV on July 7. Even before that, you can watch the full first two minutes of the award-winning demo above. Keep an eye out for our favorite part: "golden" American presidential statues that Booker dismisses with a certain monarchical reference. History! Metaphor! Meaning! No wonder this game's so impressive.

JoystiqBioShock Infinite E3 demo video coming July 7, first two minutes right here originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Jun 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesbioshock-infinitedemoe3e3-2011ken-levinemicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxThu, 30 Jun 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox co-creator Seamus Blackley starts new game studio]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/27/xbox-co-creator-seamus-blackley-starts-new-game-studio/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/27/xbox-co-creator-seamus-blackley-starts-new-game-studio/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/27/xbox-co-creator-seamus-blackley-starts-new-game-studio/#comments After helping birth the original Xbox way back in 2000, Seamus Blackley left Microsoft to get back to game development. He put that dream on hold in 2004 when his studio, Capital Entertainment Group, folded, choosing to soldier on as a talent coordinator at Creative Artists Agency. Beyond negotiating deals for famous names like BioShock creative lead Ken Levine and Flower devs thatgamecompany while at CAA, Blackley most recently helped ex-Infinity Ward heads Vince Zampella and Jason West navigate that debacle's dangerous waters.

But now, it seems, Blackley is changing jobs once more. Variety reports that he'll be heading up his own game production company, with virtually zero details given about the move. The change is still fresh enough that Blackley has yet to alter even his LinkedIn profile, for instance.

For now, the games team at CAA will now be headed up by Ophir Lupu and David Stelzer, who were already working with Blackley's command, as well as Greg Essig retaining his role as a "games agent."

JoystiqXbox co-creator Seamus Blackley starts new game studio originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 May 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caacapital-entertainment-groupcreative-artists-agencydavid-stelzergreg-essigken-levinemicrosoftophir-lupuseamus-blackleythatgamecompanyxboxFri, 27 May 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BioShock Infinite won't support Move, Levine 'open to' 3D]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/22/bioshock-infinite-wont-support-move-levine-open-to-3d/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/22/bioshock-infinite-wont-support-move-levine-open-to-3d/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/22/bioshock-infinite-wont-support-move-levine-open-to-3d/#comments When it comes to BioShock Infinite, Irrational Games is committed to delivering parity across platforms. Unlike the PS3 port of the original BioShock, the PS3 version of Infinite is being developed in house alongside the other versions. The PS3 game won't be adding any trivial, platform-specific gimmicks either.

Creative director Ken Levine told Play that Infinite won't feature PlayStation Move integration, explaining that he'd "never want to throw in Move support just because it's going to make some first party happy." Levine suggested that Irrational simply doesn't see a novel use for the motion controller within the game.

"[It's] like, 'Okay, do you want to harvest or save Little Sister? Waggle left to harvest, waggle right to save!'" he imagined if Move was applied to the first BioShock. "You can have Move support on your box, but people are going to know you're cheating them," he said, noting that "you have to be able to say you're doing something special with it."

Levine, however, hasn't made a decision about a possible 3D display option in Infinite (which wouldn't necessarily be exclusive to the PS3 version). "It's something I'd be more open to," he admitted. "I'm not saying whether we're doing that or not, but it's sort of a passive integration."

JoystiqBioShock Infinite won't support Move, Levine 'open to' 3D originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dbioshock-infiniteirrational-gamesken-levineplaystationplaystation-moveps3Tue, 22 Mar 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ken Levine irrationally interviews director Zack Snyder]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/01/ken-levine-irrationally-interviews-director-zack-snyder/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/01/ken-levine-irrationally-interviews-director-zack-snyder/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/01/ken-levine-irrationally-interviews-director-zack-snyder/#comments

It's official: We need two Ken Levines. We want him to, of course, spend every waking hour of his life making BioShock Infinite -- that's key. But we also need him to spend all his time talking to interesting people and churning out fantastic discussions in his Irrational Interviews podcast.

On the latest edition, he discusses adapting nerdy mythologies with someone who would know: Zack Snyder, the director of 300, Watchmen and the upcoming Superman relaunch. He also reviews some practical tips on cloning. We hope.

JoystiqKen Levine irrationally interviews director Zack Snyder originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Dec 2010 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>irrational-gamesirrational-interviewsken-levinepodcastszack-snyderWed, 01 Dec 2010 16:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Levine: Game industry 'star-struck' by Hollywood]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/06/ken-levine-game-industry-star-struck-by-hollywood/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/06/ken-levine-game-industry-star-struck-by-hollywood/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/06/ken-levine-game-industry-star-struck-by-hollywood/#commentsFiled under: , ,

You wouldn't blame Ken Levine for having a chip on his shoulder when it comes to Hollywood. After all, as Develop recounts, the respected game designer "failed spectacularly" in his first career as a scriptwriter. So, when Levine was offered an opportunity to make a game with, in his words, "a very talented film director," it's not much of a stretch to imagine he experienced more than a little satisfaction in turning down the offer.

"My feeling is why?" Levine questioned. "Why would any game designer want to do that?"

Aside from any personal justice he might have enjoyed, Levine answers his own question with another: "Why would I want a film director to help me make a game, any more than they would want me to help out with their films?" And he takes it further: "I think there's a sense in the entertainment fields that video games are seen as the junior varsity," he said. "There's this feeling of 'oh one day you can come up to our league.'"

"In our industry there's too many people star-struck of the movie world, jumping into deals with some big movie director just because they're big film directors." No, Levine isn't taunting del Toro, he's just reflecting on the obvious clash between how great games have been made (hint: rather anonymously) and the looming cult of celebrity eager to pervade the game industry.

But hey, Ken, at least they asked you to work with a movie director -- just about anything passes as a star these days. Who would you rather (make your game with): Bristol Palin or The Situation?

JoystiqLevine: Game industry 'star-struck' by Hollywood originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Oct 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>directorsfilmgame-designHollywoodKen-LevinemoviesrantWed, 06 Oct 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Irrational interviews Marvel's Brian Michael Bendis on writing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/02/irrational-interviews-marvels-brian-michael-bendis-on-writing/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/02/irrational-interviews-marvels-brian-michael-bendis-on-writing/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/02/irrational-interviews-marvels-brian-michael-bendis-on-writing/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Moving from game development to multidisciplinary writing, Irrational Games' Ken Levine and Shawn Elliott chat with Amazing Spider-Man writer Brian Michael Bendis on the second episode of Irrational Interviews, released this week. Did you know that what became BioShock was heavily seeded by a trip Levine and his wife took to Rockefeller Center? You would've if you'd already listened to the episode! What're you waiting for, dummy?

Direct Download / iTunes Feed / Irrational Interviews RSS Feed

[Image credit: Pinguino]

JoystiqIrrational interviews Marvel's Brian Michael Bendis on writing originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazing-spider-manBioshockbrian-michael-bendisirrationalirrational-gamesirrational-interviewsken-levinemarvelmarvel-comicsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3shawn-elliottwritingxboxThu, 02 Sep 2010 19:00:00 EST