BIOSHOCK INFINITE: Ken Levine Discusses Columbia, Elizabeth, and Religion

BIOSHOCK INFINITE: Ken Levine Discusses Columbia, Elizabeth, and Religion - Part 1

Рет қаралды 109,365

Күн бұрын

Watch part 2: • BIOSHOCK INFINITE: New...
Adam Sessler got a chance to sit down with Ken Levine, director of Bioshock Infinite, to discuss the game's stunning scope. In part one of a two-part interview, Ken explains how Bioshock Infinite earned its title, the setting of Columbia and its relation to Rapture, and the huge task of creating an engaing AI companion.
Subscribe so you don't miss part two: www.youtube.com...
Follow Adam on Twitter: / adamsessler
Follow Ken Levine on Twitter: / iglevine
Subscribe on iTunes: itunes.apple.c... Rev3Games on Twitter: / rev3games
Like Rev3Games on Facebook: / rev3games
Add Rev3Games on Google Plus plus.google.co...

Пікірлер: 280

@jaegershoemaker8959 11 жыл бұрын

I love hearing this Man's views on how he approaches game design and writing in games.

@Kuomon 11 жыл бұрын

Ken Levine is one of the great minds of our industry and I'm so happy he's getting all the recognition he deserves. It's because of people like him that I can dream of a day when the games industry is be taken seriously as a medium.

@TBV121 11 жыл бұрын

I pity the fool who doesn't see the complexity and brilliance of Bioshock...

@halo6534 11 жыл бұрын

"I love working at EA, it's a great company that releases groundbreaking and innovative, high quality product. And I'm so glad I work here." Said no one, EVER.

@MrScArEcRoW17 11 жыл бұрын

he looks like steve carell and andrew lincoln's love child

@MrCADuncan 11 жыл бұрын

Levine is always such a great interview. Super composed and thoughtful - in a genuine way - about every answer.

@michaelbulls5872 11 жыл бұрын

yeah man exactly i feel you, games are art, just like music or literature

@BrandonB... 11 жыл бұрын

He can't open his mouth without something brilliant coming out. I freaking love Ken Levine!

@Jamvaan 11 жыл бұрын

This is a great interview. Ken Levine would be an awesome dude to sit up and talk to for a hour, talk game design, theory, story, and all that business. Can't wait for part two.

@momadaddy123 11 жыл бұрын

gaming needs more people like Ken Levine

@TehFrohMan 11 жыл бұрын

I love Ken Levine so much. The man is pure genius. CAN'T WAIT FOR PART 2!!!

@TheMemorySense 11 жыл бұрын

just listening to ken you can tell that the bioshock series is by far the most PROGRESSIVE video game franchis in history. it took long enough, but irrational games finally put work to the idea that videogames are MUCH MUCH more than "fun" and "getting the most points". it can be just as engaging, just as presitgious, and just as if not more inspiration than any form of entertainment i.e. movies, music, etc. THIS IS WHY BIOSHOCK IS ONE OF THE BEST GAMES EVER MADE!!!!AHH I CANT WAIT FOR THIS!!!!

@Daddy0os 11 жыл бұрын

I'm so glad this is such an in depth interview, with more than one part, even. I've been looking forward to this game so much; Bioshock is literally my favorite game of all-time. I love you, Ken Levine.

@TheEru88 11 жыл бұрын

I think this are my two favorite people in the game business, absolute brilliant people.

@sirdavies94 11 жыл бұрын

This was such a great interview. Make longer interviews please. This 15min+15min format seems much more interesting and informative than a 5 minute press release in video form. Then again, not many upcoming games are as fascinating as Bioshock Infinite.

@TedtheHermit 11 жыл бұрын

Out of all the other interviews I've seen with Ken Levine, I think this one is the best. This has given me a better idea about the thinking and creating process that was put through with this game.

@lennester_ 11 жыл бұрын

Ken levine no doubt this dude is one of my biggest role models

@mellamohonas 11 жыл бұрын

Fantastic interview. Fascinating guys, both of you.

@theblackkettle 11 жыл бұрын

I was very appreciative that Levine talked about observing bias and racism as opposed to the impact of being confronted with it. Most games just make you watch racism happen expect you to feel something, very seldom do they make you run up right against it and deal with it. Looking forward to how that unfolds in narrative and player agency.

@muckymucks 11 жыл бұрын

Sessler's addition to Rev3 is already paying off. Like at the talent he's able to reel in. Levine himself is a pretty fascinating figure.

@BrightBlueInk 11 жыл бұрын

I'm so unbelievably hyped for this game. It seems to have EVERYTHING I look for in video gaming. Can't wait!

@Rev3Games 11 жыл бұрын

Check it out at robotscience.bandcamp.com!

@scorpionunion 11 жыл бұрын

really enjoy listening to ken talk about his games and their themes

@micmamane 11 жыл бұрын

It's also a franchise that tells a moving story. It's a game that's not just for the simple pleasure of gameplay or having weaponry or making choices. But a great story. I love Bioshock just because of it being more than just another shooting game. I agree with you on that note.

@ernestosierra5685 11 жыл бұрын

Ken Levine is a god damn inspiration to gaming, i wish more developers would be like him, not being afraid to let imagination take over. I will look forward playing this game and i hope everyone one you buy the game to support the irrational team

@SocialAutism 11 жыл бұрын

Good to see Adam back.

@SolAya21 11 жыл бұрын

Enslaved had a great evolution of the companion character I believe so did journey

@TokenSelf 11 жыл бұрын

It's one thing to see two very intelligent people and expect an interview that doesn't pander to a broader audience or follow a marketing script. It's another to actually receive it. Bravo!

@ShirikonNoKami 11 жыл бұрын

Absolutely incredible. A games interview about a game that talks about art, intent, and world building. I can't express my appreciation enough, so I won't try.

@TheEru88 11 жыл бұрын

ken levine is such a genius, one of those dudes that if he growing up he decide to be something else like a movie director instead of making games he would be brilliant at it.

@dewskie 11 жыл бұрын

Great interview! I could listen to Adam and Ken talk forever.

@adamsessler3975 11 жыл бұрын

thank you so much, that means a lot. This is what we are aiming to do here at Rev3 Games. Expect more to come. Adam Sessler

@GodTurnip 11 жыл бұрын

Good interview. I hope they touch on the alternate cover stuff if only for a few seconds in the next part, just because I'm curious about how he felt about the whole thing.

@BrokenStylo 11 жыл бұрын

Great interview as always. I could listen to these two talk forever.

@VundalI 11 жыл бұрын

I have got to say the camera you all use is fantastic. the video itself is superb...I compared this to Kev levine's talk on g4, and it just blows it out of the water in terms of scope and depth Adam dives into while talking- something Xplay couldnt really do on a 30 minute show.

@AdaptorLive 11 жыл бұрын

Well said. I completely agree.

@RyoRapture 11 жыл бұрын

That is the best interview I have seen for Ken Levine. Thank :) Adam.

@voyagerofdoom 11 жыл бұрын

Great interview! I can't wait for part 2.

@jakedizzle 11 жыл бұрын

Damn, Adam putting in work. So many great interviews.

@sdcs85 11 жыл бұрын

Kick ass interview.

@wowbreadown 11 жыл бұрын

My favorite game journalist and favorite game developer.... Very awesome!!!!

@maxrav1831 11 жыл бұрын

I don't know what people are worried about? This is the man behind the CLASSIC game bioshock! I don't think he will be letting anyone down. In fact if it is half as good as the original it'll will be a brilliant game.

@Thomasmlarsson 11 жыл бұрын

Thanks man. As stated, I don't really know the worlds they have created before, but this looks really interesting. I just love the wibe the game gives out. Guess the family have to by something for Christmas, so I might ask for this one. Thanks again.

@kylejarosewicz1580 11 жыл бұрын

fantastic bioshock team just fantastic can't wait to see more of your work

@thefalloutkid13 11 жыл бұрын

Bioshock 2 wasnt that bad, in fact it in improved on gameplay elements that even the new Bioshock take queos from

@Kdkjdjewerdnxa 11 жыл бұрын

Best interview I've seen in a long time.

@slidingonbananapeels 11 жыл бұрын

I actually forgot that there was a Bioshock 2 for a while. Bioshock and Bioshock Infinite were just such different games, that it seemed as if Bioshock 2 wasn't a Bioshock game at all.

@NetheusNull 11 жыл бұрын

I think that is one of the best decisions. In Bioshock 1 and 2 I had so many weapons when really I was only using 1 at a time or switching between a couple. In this I will feel more of a need to try different types of weapons and vary my experience.

@Kiryutka22 11 жыл бұрын

The waiting for this game is killing me! ! ! I'am literally counting seconds! !

@redrabbitjohnson 11 жыл бұрын

This guy is a true visionary in the game industry.

@maxburton22 11 жыл бұрын

best game interview I've ever watched.

@xTimeswordx 11 жыл бұрын

Adam asked the tough questions without saying much. That's what I like about Adam.

@herofromthedark 11 жыл бұрын

Please do! I LOVE Bioshock. In fact, before I played Bioshock, I HATED first person shooters. They weren't my thing, and I didn't enjoy them much, but Bioshock presented one hook that piqued my interest- superpowers. Honestly interested, I checked it out, and to my amazement, the game had a beautiful, grandiose, gothic setting. The story was awesome too- and it's told entirely without cutscenes. This made me skeptical at first, but I soon came to love it. I love FPS now because of Bioshock.

@isaakXP 11 жыл бұрын

Its good to see Rick Grimes taking a break from killing zombies and making video games on his down time.

@x007agent 11 жыл бұрын

I played Bioshock 1 twice because I had got the bad end ending the first time completing it. I'm excited for BioShock Infinite. Shame it got it delayed.... again. But a polished game is one thing that makes a game unforgettable.

@herofromthedark 11 жыл бұрын

Well, my day just got a little better. It's always good to spread the word of good video games. And if I'm not mistaken, you should be able to get a special edition of Bioshock 1 and 2 before Bioshock Infinite comes out. I think all of the DLC for Bioshock 2 comes on disk, though I'm not sure. It's been a while since I checked.

@unknownandunnamed 11 жыл бұрын

fantastic interview, really engaging and thought provoking.

@MrBucketlist 11 жыл бұрын

bioshock and half life. 2 great examples that shooters can be amazing without your typical war backdrop

@Hitorijime 11 жыл бұрын

More interviews like this, Mr. Sessler! I'm a gigantic fan of BioShock. I expect infinite to be of the same caliber of the original.

@elsenorgomez 11 жыл бұрын

I didn't get that into the first Bioshock, the setting was just too dark and creepy for me, but Bioshock Infinite looks absolutely fantastic. It's nice to see an fps with some colour and beauty to it

@wakkawakka101 11 жыл бұрын

Fantastic interview, Sess.

@TheSunnyOne 11 жыл бұрын

It's not entirely certain if it's the same universe or not, Levine has been quite tight lipped about that. Infinite itself is set quite some time before BioShock was set, so there's still a possibility, but we won't know until it gets released. However, it still shares many themes. Plasmids are replaced with tonics, Rapture is replaced with Columbia (a city in the sky instead of in the ocean), and splicers are replaced with the population of Columbia.

@knox140 11 жыл бұрын

Yeah, there might be a few references to the building of Rapture.. I hope so, at least. It would be a pretty cool addition.

@TeaBoneZombie 11 жыл бұрын

I do like Ken Levine! :)

@BloodEredar 11 жыл бұрын

It would be amazing if we study games like Bioshock Infinite in Literature class. Children actually wouldn't fall asleep then. That is the way our education systems should be going. That is how we should teach 21st century children.

@JoukaTwoThirds 11 жыл бұрын

Great interview Adam!

@blackandwhitegamer1 11 жыл бұрын

Can't wait till march

@Thaibiohazard123 11 жыл бұрын

Movie - Christopher Nolan Gaming - Ken Levine this is my taste in entertainment

@quaternio 11 жыл бұрын

Awesome interview!

@crzysteve159 11 жыл бұрын

Ken Levine: "Guys, we are going to take all the time we need to make sure that the game we release is the unique and groundbreaking product we envisioned in the beginning. We can't and will not rush this. We will not release it until we are completely satisfied that it's as perfect as we can make it." Activision & EA: Spit out a new game every 10 months or you're fired."

@KarlRamstedt 11 жыл бұрын

Great interview! Keep it up!

@JohnnyLeyenda 11 жыл бұрын

It's not a prequel, since it's a different universe altogether (as far as we know)It just takes place in an earlier year...

@EmitRemmus22 11 жыл бұрын

I find it so funny that this game I played when I was thirteen is actually a great commentary of Objectivisim and Ayn Rand. I definitely have to play this game again and I'm even more excited for Infinite, especially since it's the other side of the coin with totalitarianism and religion.

@Brandonious15987 11 жыл бұрын

I think Infinite is going to be an amazing game. It is shaping up to be the best in the series so far. With that said I don't think Rapture lost its touch. Most of the greatest moments in Rapture happened before the 1st Bioshock which is why I would love a prequel.

@SoraThe1WingedAngel 11 жыл бұрын

The like to dislike ratio is pretty beautiful. I always get scared to post a comment like this cause I feel it gives people reason to thumb this video down, but fuck my paranoia. I am vibin' the positivity of this place, maaaan! I dig.

@Thomasmlarsson 11 жыл бұрын

I think the same. Never played the first one, but this looks promising.

@SpeedReeding 11 жыл бұрын

I want part 2 now.

@MrWiskytangofoxtrot 11 жыл бұрын

lol he looks like Rick Grimes from the Walking Dead, the only thing I could think about while he was talking was him yelling at Carl to stay in the house

@NetheusNull 11 жыл бұрын

I did switch it up, but It felt forced. I had all these weapons and ammo that I knew I was supposed to be using and it got almost tedious. Like when I had to protect my little sister, I knew I had trap spears, trap rivets, cyclone traps, proximity mines and mini turrets. For big daddies and sisters I could use grenade launcher, or shot gun, ect. I had so many choices for each situation. I would like to have a limited amount, yet still have variety, like this will give in my opinion.

@TinMan89537 11 жыл бұрын

You should really try switching it up, different weapons, and different ammo types really made things interesting. Especially in 2 where you could reload and switch ammo so fast. Going between anti personal machine gun, then solid slug shotgun rounds, into rocket spears, or launching homing missiles. I'm going to miss the different guns.. Thought I'd be happy to just have more than 2. I hate that limit in every damn game, I think the best was the first Fear game, you had 3 slots and it was great

@GMoneyChuck89 11 жыл бұрын

In regards to 9:50, the subject of actually talking to characters in game, I believe the only game that has achieved that to its full extent is Half Life 2, where dialogue is in game and it broadens the story if the player pays attention. And I believe bioshock infinite will capture that magic again, thankfully. Its very difficult to achieve.

@wickerspin1119 11 жыл бұрын

I agree with you entirely. That's not the point I was trying to make. I was just attempting to explain how little validity the "it don't have little sisters n big daddies so it ent bioshock" arguement has, which I believe you yourself expain very well.

@JPWMusic29 11 жыл бұрын

comes out on my birthday!!

@mkrulz77 11 жыл бұрын

Bro, your comment literally gave me hope for this game.

@drowsy_draws 11 жыл бұрын

tempted to go back and give bioshock a try. wasn't too interested at first, but maybe i should've given it some time :)

@slidingonbananapeels 11 жыл бұрын

It is a modern equal to a controversial novel. It's gritty, it's philosophical, and it touches on things that may turn people away from it. In this sense, Ken Levine is the successor to Ayn Rand's fame.

@augurelite 11 жыл бұрын

LOVE KEN

@mtljin 11 жыл бұрын

oh hey! Ken Levine!

@ShiroKreuz 11 жыл бұрын

I never played bioshock for the combat. i kept playing it/fell in love with it because of the amazing backstory, that required you to use your imagination to think how rapture was before it got bad. The amazing atmosphere. If its just escorting with a bunch of ingame cutscenes and big shootouts, im not very interested. It doesnt have to be rapture, to stay far as possible from being close to modern FPS shooters.

@quaternio 11 жыл бұрын

Just wanted say I had no idea I was posting exactly what someone else posted. Great minds....

@MatthewCampbell765 11 жыл бұрын

You're absolutely correct. Bioshock 2 was not bad per say. Gameplay wise, I'd say it was even better. However, I think over all (atmosphere, plot, characters, ect) it wasn't as good as the first one. It didn't seem to have the same vision or the same focus or the same drive to be awesome that the first one had.

@Greez1337 11 жыл бұрын

Steam, Games on demand, and I'm pretty sure it's on PSN. Get it digitally if you can.

@NikMetalEx 11 жыл бұрын

Adam Sessler you are an awesome interviewer! :)

@killerdude7890 11 жыл бұрын

infinite takes place in 1914, which means it takes place 45 years before the events of bioshock 1, and another 10 before the events of bioshock 2

@rosemeadshredder 11 жыл бұрын

Ken Levine is awesome but what about Adam Sessler! I grew up watching this guy on Tech Tv (old school !) and G4. Glad to see he is still doing his thing.

@jude_210 11 жыл бұрын

I can't wait for this game

@knox140 11 жыл бұрын

I think so, because in one of the trailers you see a big daddy statue for about 2 seconds. I can imagine there will be a lot of references to rapture being built (I think this game was set about 20-30 years before the first 2 games). But I think the game will still be set around the whole gene manipulation thing. Not sure though.

@bobjim4527 11 жыл бұрын

I've already preordered it

@BBboy20 11 жыл бұрын

THanks!

@DnbDubJunkie 11 жыл бұрын

No, I have experience. I accept that I have fun playing nothing but violent games sometimes. But it needs to be said that video games have not been for the longest time as serious contenders for story telling mediums. Of course, video games still have nothing on literature and film and plays, but I like that some effort is being put into it more. I just think that Infinite and The Last Of Us are showing fantastic examples of how to mix good story telling with fun gameplay.