BioShock creator's new game has apparently gone off the rails

This story about getting of the ground, boiled down, in 1:31 minutes.

What's the fuss?

The creator of one of the best video games of all time is apparently having a real tough time getting his new project off the ground, highlighting how difficult game development truly is.

The situation

Game development veteran Ken Levine has had quite the track record, notably with his swan song creation of 2007's Bioshock.

• The narrative driven game presented a unique experience for gamers by intertwining its twisting story with gameplay.
• Bioshock was one of the first games ever that proved that video games is a viable art form, even for more traditional audiences.
  

Now removed from the Bioshock franchise, its creator seems to be having a real tough time getting his new project off the ground.

• According to gamer reporter extraordinaire Jason Schreier, this ambitious project is based on a premise called "narrative LEGO" - where the gameplay is unique based on in-game choices players make.
• With original plans for the game to release in 2017, it seems that it instead has entered "development hell" with persistent changes in creative direction.

Boiling it down

Game development is real hard, even with unhinged creative control.

• Given Mr. Levine's track record of fantastic sales, it is not surprising that his funders have provided him great creative control to deliver another hit...
• ...but with almost no limitations, the scope of such projects can become unwieldly to the point of utter confusion for supporters.

Even with smaller game studios, toxic workplace culture remains to be an issue.

• According to the report, Mr. Levine is "a hard person to work for" and "alienates or browbeats subordinates who challenge him or fail to meet his expectations".
• Thus, it's no wonder that the studio has seen more than 50% staff turnover since inception.

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