The game studio responsible for BioShock is now closing down after a good 17 years.

"I am winding down Irrational Games as you know it. I'll be starting a smaller, more entrepreneurial endeavor at Take-Two," reads a message from co-founder Ken Levine at the game studio's website.

According to Levine, making a game that is of different nature than games created in the past has become his passion as of late, requiring him to work with a much smaller team than now.

"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 posted.

He also adds that Irrational Games owner, Take-Two Interactive has affirmed that they will be able to foster his passion and ideas. "Initially, I thought the only way to build this venture was with a classical startup model, a risk I was prepared to take. But when I talked to Take-Two about the idea, they convinced me that there was no better place to pursue this new chapter than within their walls," Levine says in the message.

As for other Irrational Games employees, Levine says that all but 15 of the current talents behind the game studio will be laid off. However, IG employees not part of the move out will be receiving financial support as well as access to the game studio for a while "to say their goodbyes and put together their portfolios," he says.

"Other Take-Two studios will be on hand to discuss opportunities within the company, and we'll be hosting a recruiting day where we'll be giving 3rd party studios and publishers a chance to hold interviews with departing Irrational staff," Levine assures.

With the last installment of the title, BioShock Infinite: Burial at Sea Episode 2 available for download March 25, Irrational Games co-founder Ken Levine hands on the massive hit game to 2K and focuses on a new goal.

"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. To foster the most direct relationship with our fans possible, we will focus exclusively on content delivered digitally," he says in the message.

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