Evil Avatar caught up with Irrational Games Co-Founder, Ken Levin, for a chat that makes an interesting read. While the interview eventually delves into information and the makings of Bioshock, the build-up to that poses some very philosophical and ideological discussions. Ken supplies an interesting look into the life of a writer for a computer game, with the difficulties faced, his work ethic, and things he tries to achieve in his writing.
The interview is split up into two parts.
Part 1 - Very philosophical. An interesting read, which explains how Ken got into the industry, and prior work he has done.
Part 2 - All about that game that we're waiting for, Bioshock
A little snippet as Ken talks about Irrational's prized title:
Hasn't there even been a game you really wanted to get into but didn't have the time and energy to understand it? I’ve had that experience with some hard core strategy games – Europa Universalis, Dominions 2, etc. All I really wanted was a buddy to sit behind me and help me learn how to play it and when I got stuck to point me in the right direction.
While BioShock is certainly nothing like those 2 games, the metaphor holds. Yes BioShock innovates in ways you won't find in a traditional linear shooter, but we've developed a system called dynamic training that sits back and watches the player. And if the player gets lost, or clearly is not getting the game systems (for example, different ammo types vs. different foes), the system will speak up and lend the player a hand, point him or her in the right direction.
Irrational Games has two Studios, one here in Australia, located in Canberra, and the other located in the United States, in Boston. They're responsible for such titles as System Shock 2 and Freedom Force. Judging by hints dropped in the interview, Bioshock is looking at a Spring 07 release, though that date is very much not officially confirmed.