The studio behind BioShock and last year’s BioShock Infinite, Irrational Games has been hit by a large wave of layoffs, as Kevin Levine the co-founder of the studio announced a change in focus for the studio.

In an open letter posted on the Irrational Games website, Kevin Levine said: “I am winding down Irrational Games as you know it. I’ll be starting a smaller, more entrepreneurial endeavour at Take-Two. That is going to mean parting ways with all but about fifteen members of the Irrational team. There’s no great way to lay people off, and our first concern is to make sure that the people who are leaving have as much support as we can give them during this transition.”

In the letter Levine pointed out that they would be helping the laid-off staff find new jobs, “Besides financial support, the staff will have access to the studio for a period of time to say their goodbyes and put together their portfolios. Other Take-Two studios will be on hand to discuss opportunities within the company, and we’ll be hosting a recruiting day where we’ll be giving 3rd party studios and publishers a chance to hold interviews with departing Irrational staff.”

With a new smaller team Irrational Games will now focus on making “To make narrative-driven games for the core gamer that are highly replayable.” This sounds like they could be looking at developing games that are similar to Telltale Games’ The Walking Dead.

For those wondering about the BioShock franchise, you can be happy knowing that the series will continue with 2K taking control of the franchise, “I’m handing the reins of our creation, the BioShock universe, to 2K”.

SG Gaming Info wishes the laid-off staff good luck in their effort to find a new job.