Ken Levine Returns With a Bold Vision

Few names in gaming resonate like Ken Levine, the creative force behind BioShock and BioShock Infinite. After founding Ghost Story Games following Irrational’s closure, Levine is now leading development on his ambitious new project: JUDAS.

Writing on the PlayStation Blog, Levine unveiled a signature feature that could redefine narrative-driven gameplay — a system called Villainy.

Introducing the Villainy System

Unlike BioShock, which revolved around a fixed antagonist, Judas introduces the Big 3 — three pivotal characters whose roles depend entirely on the player.

Nurture them, and they may become valuable allies.
Neglect them, and they will evolve into hostile enemies, complete with unique abilities and vendettas against you.

This creates a dynamic web of shifting relationships, where every choice carries weight and betrayal always looms.

Allies That Compete for You

To make loyalty feel tangible, Levine explained that the Big 3 will actively compete for the player’s favour in Judas. They might:

Offer gifts or assistance in combat
Rescue you during critical encounters
Share secrets or gossip about others
Reveal personal vulnerabilities that can alter your perspective

Levine wants players to feel genuine loss when one of the Big 3 turns, making betrayal both mechanical and emotional.

A Nemesis System With Emotion

Levine compared Villainy loosely to the Nemesis System from Shadow of Mordor, but emphasised that Judas aims to take it further. While Nemesis tracked enemy encounters procedurally, the Villainy system will tie loyalty and betrayal to deeply personal relationships.

Ultimately, players may find themselves forced to side with one of the Big 3, alienating the others in the process.

What It Means for Players

With its Villainy system at the core, Judas aims to deliver one of the most emotionally charged narrative mechanics in gaming. For Ken Levine, it represents not just a return, but a chance to push the boundaries of choice and consequence in interactive storytelling once again.

Judas currently has no confirmed release date.