The shutdown of Irrational Games has raised countless questions in the gaming community. How rational was this decision?

Irrational Games were the developers of huge AAA games such as “BioShock” and “BioShock: Infinite.” As the creators of Rapture and Columbia, these game makers have become a staple of the scene. The leader and auteur of the games is co-founder Ken Levine, who made Tuesday’s tragic announcement.

Levine said one of the reasons for the shutdown was wanting to put together “a small team making games for the core gaming audience.” But, a company like 2K Games doesn’t reduce a company of more than 200 employees to 15 for a creative lead’s desire to get back to the basics.

It comes down to exactly how successful were his most recent games. “Bioshock: Infinite” released last year after six years in development. The Bioshock series made more than half a billion dollars in sales with its three games.

Levine will stay with Take-Two Interactive, owner of 2K Games, while leading a bare bones studio. As he stays within in the company, Levine has the chance to have more control over the games he makes. Simultaneously, he will be producing a regular profit for the publisher’s year in and year out. It sounds like a win-win situation, except for those about to lose their jobs.

The shutdown of Irrational Games means massive layoffs in disguise. It’s too bad many found themselves out of a job this morning in the neverending revolving door of the gaming industry. Even after the incredible experience of “Bioshock: Infinite,” ex-Irrational Games employees are now on the job hunt.

This isn’t all doom and gloom. I would not be surprised if independent studios start to pop up from the shell of Irrational Games.