Xbox exec praises BioShock director Ken Levine

Ken Levine, who played a major role in the creation of the beloved BioShock video game franchise, has drawn the praise of Microsoft Studios executive Phil Spencer. After news broke this week that Levine's studio Irrational Games would be "winding down," a fan asked Spencer on Twitter if he'd like to work with Levine some day. Here's his response.

"Great game creator," Spencer said about Levine. But don't expect Spencer and Levine to work together anytime soon, as Levine is launching a new effort supported by Take-Two.

"Of course he has a job with another publisher," Spencer said.

Spencer said one of his favorite games is Freedom Force, developed by Levine and Irrational Games for release on PC/Mac in 2002.

Only 15 Irrational Games employees will remain at the company after the developer completes its restructuring process. Levine and these employees will then begin work on a "smaller, more entrepreneurial" endeavor for Take-Two. Meanwhile, 2K Games will take control of the BioShock universe going forward.