BioShock Creator Ken Levine Not Involved With New Game

Ken Levine created one of the most memorable and beloved video game franchises with BioShock. As the series moves on with a new studio, Cloud Chamber, Levine is stepping away from the series he created, it seems. Cloud Chamber's boss Kelley Gilmore tells GameSpot that Levine is "not involved" with the new BioShock title; instead, he is focused on his own studio and projects.

"Ken has his new company called Ghost Story Games. From what I understand, they're pretty immersed in creating whatever great thing they're working on, which we all know something will come out of there that's amazing as usual," Gilmore said. "So he's involved with that and he's not involved with this project."

It's unclear if Levine was already aware of the new BioShock game's development, of if he will eventually contribute to the project in any unofficial capacity. GameSpot has contacted Levine for comment.

While Levine may not be involved with the new BioShock game, Cloud Chamber has recruited a number of BioShock veterans for the project, including Shawn Elliot, Hogarth de la Plante, Scott Sinclair, and Jonathan Pelling. Additionally, Cloud Chamber has hired developers who worked on the Assassin's Creed, Star Wars, and Call of Duty franchises.

Levine's new studio, Ghost Story--which is owned by 2K's parent company Take-Two--is focused on developing narrative-driven gaming experiences. Little is known about what the studio is making, but in October a job posting described it as a "creatively ambitious project in the immersive sim genre," which is something that Levine, and no doubt others on the team, have experience with.

Don't expect to be playing the new BioShock game soon, as it is still years away from release. For lots more, check out GameSpot's extended interview with Gilmore about the new BioShock and starting the new studio.