Almost three years ago, renowned game developer Ken Levine offered the world its first glimpse of ‘Judas,’ his long-awaited project following the critically acclaimed ‘BioShock Infinite.’ While many observant players have noted visual parallels between ‘Judas’ and the ‘BioShock’ series, Levine himself asserts that this new game marks his most significant ‘radical departure’ since the groundbreaking original ‘BioShock.’
“There are elements within ‘Judas’ that will feel familiar to ‘BioShock’ fans, but other aspects are truly, profoundly different,” Levine shared during a candid interview on MrMattyPlays’ YouTube channel. “Players will still wield a weapon in one hand and powers in the other – and we’ve even got an advanced hacking system that hasn’t been fully revealed yet. However, the game’s core mechanics, its world-building, and particularly the depth of choice in forging relationships are experiences we’ve never explored before. The way the environment is presented, how encounters unfold, and the player’s agency in shaping story paths – these are all incredibly distinct. This genuinely represents the biggest creative leap I’ve taken since developing the first ‘BioShock.'”
The game centers around its protagonist, Judas, who finds herself stranded aboard a generation-spanning vessel named the Mayflower. This colossal spaceship carries the last remnants of humanity, and their ultimate fate is intricately linked to three powerful figures on board. Judas’s decisions to either ally with or antagonize these individuals will have profound consequences.
Levine further elaborated on his innovative story engine, which he affectionately terms ‘narrative Legos.’ This system allows pivotal events to occur at varying points in the storyline, dynamically adapting to player choices. He also emphasized a design philosophy of ‘trusting your audience’ and being comfortable with players potentially missing certain narrative threads based on the paths they choose.
Earlier this summer, Levine reiterated his commitment to crafting a compelling single-player experience with ‘Judas,’ explicitly stating that the game would eschew common live-service models and other prevailing gaming trends. He also previously showcased the intricate system through which players will cultivate friendships and rivalries among the game’s three central characters.
As of now, a definitive release date for ‘Judas’ has not been announced. For more on exciting upcoming titles, check out GameSpot’s gallery of The Best PC Games To Play In 2025.