Levine responds to BioShock widescreen concerns

It goes without saying that internet time is a very strange thing. In the videogame world, it means that information moves instantaneously, but only if the people who’re supposed to get that information are online to receive it. That being said, Irrational Games‘ Ken Levine, the creative director of BioShock (Xbox 360, PC), responded to earlier concerns about problems with BioShock’s widescreen by asking for patience and understanding from the public.

Wrote Levine on the 2K Games boards:

Sorry about all the conflict. IG development people (specifically Chris and Rowan who are both on vacation) were trying to take a day off today (we’ve been working about six months 6-7 days a week). I’m trying to see what everybody’s concerns are and consult with the staff.

I know people are frustrated, but we are dealing with internet time here. It wasn’t until 7 pm EST that I was able to even talk to anybody in our Australian studio, which is open today (9 AM their time).

I hear you that not everybody was thrilled with the PC launch. And I’m trying to collect information and see what the facts are. PC game development does not function in a matter of seconds or hours, especially when most of the team is on vacation. But I hear you, and we’re looking into the issue. I’ll only ask you have a bit of understanding as to the time scale that software development issues must occur in.

While widescreen issues may not be a big deal for everyone, those who do enjoy their games in widescreen formats do have their enjoyment somewhat hampered as they aren’t seeing the whole picture. What do you think about the whole issue?

It goes without saying that internet time is a very strange thing. In the videogame world, it means that information moves instantaneously, but only if the people who’re supposed to get that information are online to receive it. That being said, Irrational Games‘ Ken Levine, the creative director of BioShock (Xbox 360, PC), responded to earlier concerns about problems with BioShock’s widescreen by asking for patience and understanding from the public.

Wrote Levine on the 2K Games boards:

Sorry about all the conflict. IG development people (specifically Chris and Rowan who are both on vacation) were trying to take a day off today (we’ve been working about six months 6-7 days a week). I’m trying to see what everybody’s concerns are and consult with the staff.

I know people are frustrated, but we are dealing with internet time here. It wasn’t until 7 pm EST that I was able to even talk to anybody in our Australian studio, which is open today (9 AM their time).

I hear you that not everybody was thrilled with the PC launch. And I’m trying to collect information and see what the facts are. PC game development does not function in a matter of seconds or hours, especially when most of the team is on vacation. But I hear you, and we’re looking into the issue. I’ll only ask you have a bit of understanding as to the time scale that software development issues must occur in.

While widescreen issues may not be a big deal for everyone, those who do enjoy their games in widescreen formats do have their enjoyment somewhat hampered as they aren’t seeing the whole picture. What do you think about the whole issue?