Judas Interview: How Ken Levine Is Building on BioShock With 'Narrative LEGOs'

[@thegameawards]

Really enjoyed this chat with Ken and Ryan -- Geoff

[@artvandelay123]

Legends ❤

[@testing85]

geoff the goat

[@naoseioq1234]

Thanks Dynga

[@Onyyyxx]

Yooooo Geoff

[@costanzafaust]

Do you dream of Electric Sheep?

[@Facebag201]

You can tell how excited Ken is that he's able to discuss some of these plot details after years. This is definitely a buy for me.

[@chrismueller7635]

Not only for you.

[@pythonxz]

@@chrismueller7635 Wrong! It's all mine.

[@vegaa.1645]

🐓🍭

[@adamk-paxlogan7330]

Fr me too 🤣

[@xXkashmoney99Xx]

These kinds of games will always be an instant buy for me! Passionate creator who understands games and what gamers want and wanting to push boundaries is so rare nowadays so it’s fantastic to see there are game still being produced like this.

[@mcsick007]

agreed

[@dsimpson530]

There are inverses to this. Peter Molyneux comes to mind.

[@stefandinu6389]

Remember callisto protocol? It was supposed to be a dead space spiritual successor and look how that turned out. Best wait for reviews.

[@xaby996]

​@@stefandinu6389and the melee combat still looks like "hit the anywhere" oblivion style attacks

[@joshuajones589]

@@stefandinu6389 I loved the Callisto protocol, I’m a big fan of dead space and everything survival horror and I think people didn’t like Callisto protocol because it was more melee focused instead of a third person shooter like dead space. They just need to get good, the game itself is a masterpiece just like the original dead space

[@TravellerOfBoth]

Find the complaints about this "just being like Bioshock" as silly. It's a continuation of the philosophies and ideals that Irrational have adhered to since System Shock 2 over 25 years ago. Do we criticise From Software for just iterating on top of a similair gameplay structure? No, we don't.

[@kaiholeung903]

Keep mentioning bioshock is also annoying me, Can we just consider this is a new game?😂 I bet this game will be better than Bioshock and Bioshock is a 10/10 for me🫡

[@jonesy6354]

They've reskinned Demon's souls more times than games Ken has released in his full career.

[@stuckintheinbetween]

These people act like Bioshock-esque games are releasing every year like Call of Duty or Madden when we haven't had a Bioshock game in over 10 years and the last game that wasn't Bioshock but was like it was released 7 years ago (Prey 2017).

[@jimmythegamer2231]

What's even sillier about those complaints is that the game isn't even gonna be exactly the same as BioShock anyways. It's gonna be highly replayable and have a very non-linear narrative, way more than any of the BioShock games. Besides it's not like BioShock style games are a dime a dozen, they're pretty rare.

[@seanifer12]

@@kaiholeung903 it’s definitely a new thing but it’s aesthetic is unmistakably bioshock lol

[@tylerblaylock1860]

love how excited ken gets while discussing details of his game he has spent years making. truly a work of passion

[@개혁자-k5d]

Ken levine is a true artist. Look at the passion and excitement in his face and voice as he speaks about the game. This is my most hyped game and kev levine is one of my favorite artists ever.

[@LordLuc94]

The Sander Cohen who didn't lose his touch

[@ddust102]

Glad they are still making games like this

[@GeorgeDroyd1998]

Give it another 5 years. Wait till my generation takes all dev spots 😂

[@thekal2851]

True, dude. Wish we could play these games often without waiting so long. Looking forward to playing Judas!

[@adamk-paxlogan7330]

Fr

[@adamk-paxlogan7330]

​@@thekal2851same

[@adamk-paxlogan7330]

​@@GeorgeDroyd1998lol 😂

[@mur02004]

There been this narrative for the last 2 decades that AAA games should play like movies. To me that fundamentally undermines the strength of video games, and computer science in general, which is their ability to simulate reality and give players a sense of choice. I'm so glad Ken is capitalizing on this strength and bringing this sense of choice and simulation back into AAA gaming.

[@fluckter_600]

@@mur02004 exactly, so much focus has been on making games more like movies, but people forget to easily that they can be simulated worlds. Fallout is a decent example of a responsive world that reacts to players choice WHILE also having a strong narrative

[@adderblack39]

It occurred to me how important Ken Levine is to games.. especially in today's current climate

[@tropicvibe]

Always loved the Bioshock series, playing them numerous times. Then buying the remastered versions to do it all over again.

[@josephcalamia5586]

I'm really like how Ken explained the dynamic between the three characters and the intriguing world that players will get to explore when Judas is released. Can't wait to see more!

[@Orthodox1911]

Ken is one of the last dying breed of game developers that actually value a single player experience over multiplayer, what a gem he is

[@root0062]

If Ken's sitting down you know its worth a listen.

[@nilspochat8665]

especially xhile he's wearing an XCOM shirt

[@ryanwinkler7996]

Shout out for the XCOM shirt

[@thefearofg0ds758]

I've always felt like Ken Levine is the James Cameron of the gaming industry. He tends to only release something once a generation but when he does...it's something special. The same perfectionist obsession that gives him a bad reputation as difficult to work with. Bioshock would be his T2. Infinite would be his Avatar. Critically beloved but fans are split.

[@Onyyyxx]

Judas is going to be spectacular. Ken has passion for stories and his characters!

[@RARufus]

Ken and Irrational have such an excellent track record. Nothing is perfect, but they make great games with cool settings, great visuals, memorable characters and stories, etc.

[@mistrdevine]

Ken Levine looks a little like Steve Carrell.

[@pedjanedeljkovic7021]

Nah, more likely Steve Carrell looks like Ken Levine.

[@kokomanation]

It is the same person but works in 2 different brands

[@Jay-uv5xg]

hes the jewish version lol

[@_johnreaper]

He looks like Peter Jacobson. Its uncanny.

[@adamk-paxlogan7330]

Fr 😂

[@Gametism]

A true mastermind. The experience of Infinite still grips me to this day

[@infiniterift]

To everybody who works or worked on this game: THANKS! You're awesome!

[@shorafarahani]

lol there are more "worked" than "works" ... but thank you for kind words

[@TempleofShaolin]

One of my most anticipated games

[@karannegi7199]

Ken Levine is one of the best storytellers/world builders in the business. One of the last few auteurs in the business.

[@Name-tn3md]

his creation - bioshock infinite still amazes me. and this game is 11 years old already

[@HeyMyNameIs...]

i'm 100% certain if you are a creator and you are working with someone like Ken Levine that changes many things during development. It can be extremely tough. Especially if you don't have a certainty that the game will be finished in it's original concept. Ken Levine's brain is a dark souls boss.

[@PayneSculptures]

IGN - you guys need to adjust the audio level discrepancy and re-upload this video. For example the difference in volume at 11min 28sec between the Kevin Levine interview and the gameplay video is so loud you could have blown out speakers, headphones and hurt ear drums. Please fix this.

[@BoomSlang001]

Great jumpscare

[@evr9428]

Exactly. Who tf did the editing for this??

[@sandman9670]

Blown out air drums damn lol. It wasn’t that loud

[@clerk-555]

It's super cool hearing Ken Levine speak about creatvity

[@Cakauu]

Huuuuuge respect for Mr. Levine! Can’t wait to play Judas!

[@jaysantos3283]

Been a fan of Ken Levines work since the original Bioshock

[@Asian_Import]

Ken Levine is a living legend. Bioshock is my favorite series of all time, Burial at Sea is tied with Witcher 3: Blood and Wine for best DLC ever released. So happy he’s finally back with a new game!

[@SproloquiTv]

Too bad we dont get a bioshock 4

[@taigaaisaka6305]

Dude, how in God's name do you have one of the best written DLC with Blood and Wine and right next to it one so awfully made that it killed its franchise? Genuine question. The quality of them are literal polar opposites.

[@Asian_Import]

@@SproloquiTv A new BioShock game is in development by 2K and Cloud Chamber! Confirmed back in 2019, we should get some news within the next year or two. There were reports that development has been rocky though…

[@DishonoredSkull]

@@taigaaisaka6305 Agreed, BAS was not needed at all and hurt the series more than anything.

[@ddharveyy]

@@taigaaisaka6305’killing the franchise’ and ending the franchise are two entirely different things. And I’ve never got the complaint BAS is badly written, it’s basically the same quality as the rest of the games

[@criewolf3040]

One of the greatest interactive storytellers alive sitting down to talk to you. Act like it.

[@roksitzenfrei]

Judas and clockwork revolution are most anticipated games to date but will be waiting for a while take your time

[@willhahn1730]

Such a treat to have these 3 together. Also, awesome office, Ken! Very nice!

[@yup8865]

Sweeet, looking forward to it! The focus on writing characters with care is such a big brain move. Ken's unique world building and atmosphere always demand my attention.

[@grcigar9911]

Paralleling professional sports, fan access to the athletes is almost just as important as the actual events they compete in. The video game industry has an opportunity to increase engagement with the creatives themselves instead of focusing primarily on the finished product. Job well done and looking forward to more such interviews in the future. As for Judas, looks awesome 👏

[@tobiascobarrubias1662]

Long time no see, Kevin Levine. Glad to have you back!

[@GameTalesHQ]

This just became one of my most anticipated titles of all time. Super excited to see what they've been cooking up!

[@samichmachine]

can someone pls fix the volume balance. the clips from the game are SO loud

[@Sir-DavidJames]

The enemy design and guns have that side of the road gift shop toy design and I'm here for it.

[@sillkthashocker]

Take a shot everytime Geoff interrupts Ken

[@thinktribal]

Alright, having the Vectrex displaying Judas was pretty cool in the background

[@gdim925]

Lavine is freaking amazing. His games are the definition of art!

[@Skiad-OpsGash]

If you can't wait, play Prey (2017) if you haven't. It's really underappreciated.

[@stonefish1318]

Bioshock was a Masterpiece, Bioshock 2 pure Art and Bioshock Infinite Impressive!

[@fluckter_600]

Yeah, sums up the games

[@pythonxz]

Bioshock was the only game I've played for 24 hours straight. It sounds like Judas is going to have very interesting immersive sim elements.

[@lalotime]

If you are in a rush, you can beat the game in 6 hours. Normally it's around 10 if you explore everything.

[@seanifer12]

Really love this guys passion. You can really feel how excited he is for people to experience the game. Loved the bioshock games and can’t wait for this!

[@CCowleyMedia]

Hmmm, feel like when Ken and Geoff are in the interview it's always been a great time. Can't wait for the next world from this team. Thanks for all the fantastic games! Thanks Ryan, Ken, and Geoff!

[@gtaatmiami]

This is really interesting and innovative. It could single handedly save single player gaming in the future. Much like how you buy a new Lego set after you finish the last one, they can release new “Lego sets” built on the same architecture.

[@nathangabrielmusician]

Oh man having Ken Levine talk about this deep stuff, has me so excited where the future of gaming can draw from! :D

[@AbysswalkerASMR]

Ryan McCaffrey is the beating heart of IGN, as far as I'm concerned.

[@zanfear]

Been waiting for this interview - and this NEW GAME - for over 10 years now.

[@scottdacosta8195]

If you didn’t already know but just hearing Ken talk you just know he’s a bona fide Genius

[@amandakucsera]

My favorite part of the world building in Bioshock games were the audio diaries…I was really hoping those would come back!

[@GhostRider-un9gm]

😊 I'm glad Ken is arround creating these beautiful things 😊

[@Matthew451]

“I don’t think we should ruin how you travel around” aaaand immediately showing it 😂🤦🏻‍♂️ 39:32

[@CHA0SBLEEDS]

Is Eldin Ring Just Dark Souls. Is Balder's Gate 3 just Divinity Original Sin? Sure you can see the Bioshock DNA in the game he's making, but he's using his past experience to make possibly his best "Bioshock" game yet without being confined to the Bioshock name.

[@PachuStrauss]

Geoff, please, YOU NEED TO STOP INTERRUPTING PEOPLE.

[@sillkthashocker]

YES

[@ULTIMATEPATCHES]

Love the VECTREX with "Judas" on the screen!

[@PandaPulse4]

Can’t wait to play this!

[@mopar426power]

So damn hype for this game. Bioshock is one of my favorite franchises.

[@amossss]

Holy shi Ive been waiting 20 years for this. My favorite game of all time and favorite game creator is back baby!!!!!!

[@seanforbes3937]

Bioshock and Infinite are both in my all time top 5. Cannot wait

[@musicxxa6678]

Sounds great. This interview made me so hyped.

[@Dnimmo123]

Man is a genius. Can't wait for Judas 🤟

[@Dennis-nc3vw]

This looks amazing. In an era of endless Disney remakes its easy to think art is dead, and be things like this give me hope.

[@MicahMode]

So incredibly excited for this game. Hoping for its success and that Ken can keep pumping them out for another 30 years.

[@SILKYSMOOTH30FPS]

Levine is damn great. Hope he develops games forever.

[@Ganderlow]

People forgot we have 16 Final Fantasy games and complain when a director makes a project similar to his past work like BioShock.

[@attackofthecopyrightbots]

It’s like complaining about xeno franchise or Mistwalker games

[@RyanPaquette]

So awesome to hear from Ken Levine the David Duchovny of the video game world! Big fan of this guy and his games! Can’t wait for “Judas!”

[@Rastapopoulos2939]

Best thing in in this video: Ken Levines shirt. And what Keely( or whatever is name is) is doing in the video is the largest enigma.

[@FarajRahal]

My question is even if the maps are procedurally generated depending on player choice, will we still have a map?

[@Mir4]

good question

[@dougdeveloper8850]

The best video games aren't just something fun to play but also about ideas and emotions. The Bioshock series was fun but it was also about its themes and ideas. Likewise, Silent Hill 2 is considered the best because it is a powerful emotional story.

[@JoseMonkeys]

51:39 the future is now old man!

[@p00pie]

This is just a brilliant setting and premise for a game.

[@Dada228822]

Ken is in Infinity War Tony Stark cosplay.

[@daveycress]

Very, very cool. Thanks to both parties on bringing this to the world!

[@ashtondillard6906]

The irony that people are calling it Bioshock when the story and setting sound far more similar to system shock…

[@Littlediesel006]

2:17 does this imply we will get the insane inputs of choice influencing the world on a bigger scale on a semi linear game, as in, are we getting the true bioshock infinite, an fps with decisions meticulous and small as say a telltale game?

[@MikeUK]

Looks very promising, there are very few people left who are given all the time they want but ken is one

[@Gwilherm]

The Alexa bit terrified me, lmao!

[@LeroyMustang]

Steve Carell, the greatest western game designer of the century.

[@voxploxx]

Playing this game completely blind sounds amazing

[@Gamerinthehive]

Great interview Ryan / Geoff

[@JoryStultz1234]

Imagine Levine and Kojima collaborating. 🤯

[@rober95rd]

Siri making her appearance was an epic moment😂

[@AliEbadi-99]

Cant wait 🔥

[@urmie]

Ken Levine game, instant purchase of the super deluxe collector or whatever edition. Take my money!

[@somedude1324]

A bigger budget Void Bastards. Looks great!

[@401RISaint]

4-5 hr main story. Game focused with multiple play throughs.

[@Thedoover559]

I’m so pumped on this game

[@Mattin_Satteo]

WTF is wrong with that 11:15 jumpscare, Jesus!

[@johnnysheen9615]

Loving the Xcom T-Shirt.

[@RareCandyTCG]

I'm excited for this but the one thing that keeps bugging me is how all of the particle effects have that same Unreal Engine 3 look from over a decade ago.

[@noahweddle4867]

Damn so much info. Some felt like spoilers

[@Crazyq454]

this was announced in 2022!? its weird that I'm just now hearing about the game now in 2024

[@Zero-Sun]

holy moly those gameplay clips were loud 😂

[@Mondo-fr2lh]

Cool Xcom shirt!!

[@thegoodnewdays1191]

sheeesh, you know ken loves what he does the way he cant NOT spoil his own game lol.

[@StonkyBunny]

Eagerly awaits for JUDAS: Collector's Edition: inc. Horsedroid'springy'figurine!

[@awgoodrich8]

Warning! LOTS of spoilers in the video

[@nukers1234]

Really look forward to this game

[@Vazin]

This is going to be peak! Welcome back, Levine!