Kotaku’s rumoring that Bioshock Infinite’s multiplayer has been cancelled. This as two of the studio’s top people departed last month.
According to the report, two co-op modes, one which would have shrunk players and place them in an “old-timey arcade machine” to fight off hordes of toy-like enemies, the other being a “Spec Ops” mode similar to that of Modern Warfare 3, have been axed. In the latter, players would’ve teamed up to take out enemies in levels inspired by the game’s single-player campaign.
When pressed on the rumor, Irrational Games boss said he wouldn’t comment on the situation, only saying, “As I’ve always said we are experimenting with things, and only if they are good enough will we put them in the game.”
On the departure of director of product development Tim Gerritson and art director Nate Wells, Levine said: “In a company of 200 people you’re going to have turnover. We never like to see a guy like Nate leave because he’s been here for a long time but it’s been 13 years and I think sometimes people want to spread their wings. I’m not going to stop people. We love Nate and I think we all remain friends. After 13 years he sort of finished his work on BioShock Infinite, as you will be able to tell when you see the game again… I think Nate’s moving on to something else.”
Levine went on to reassure that the team that’s left is working on the game with incessant passion: “As far as the team itself, the lead artist, the art director, the creative director, the lead effects artist, the senior sound guy, the lead programer and the lead AI programmer from BioShock 1 are all on BioShock Infinite. I don’t think there’s a single senior BioShock team member that isn’t here, which I think is amazing and a testament to their commitment to the studio. And there are a ton of amazing people who weren’t on BioShock 1 that are on BioShock Infinite.”
Bioshock Infinite lands February 2013 on PS3, Xbox 360 and PC. A Wii U version was also announced, but no date was given.
It’s a shame that these modes won’t be included, but obviously they wouldn’t have decided to remove it if it wasn’t up to par. I hope there is still a multiplayer component though, if anyone will do it right, it will be Irrational Games. As for the departures, I’m glad Levine has a good attitude on it, there seems to be no hard feelings and it seems like those still involved are as passionate as ever. Infinite is going to be amazing.
dunno why people are so worried about this!
i mean when has ken let us down?
bioshock is still to this day one of the industries best games!
not to mention rod fergusson from epic games has also switched over.
so one of the most talented guys in the industry moves to a studio headed by one of the most talented guys in the industry!
all making a game that won game of show at E3 last year, all who made a game that is still one of the best games ever made, and creating a game which frankly looks so freaking awesome!!!!!!!!!
i cant see how this can go wrong!