Ghost Story Games has shared new insights into its upcoming project, Judas, the first release from BioShock creator Ken Levine since 2014. In a newly published developer update, Levine detailed how player decisions will directly determine which characters emerge as villains, while also unveiling new key art for the game.
Levine explained that unlike in BioShock or BioShock Infinite, where antagonists such as Fontaine and Comstock were fixed, Judas introduces a dynamic system called Villainy. This feature allows players’ actions to influence the relationships among three central characters known as the Big 3. Those who are neglected or alienated can evolve into adversaries, gaining unique powers to disrupt the player’s progress. “Ignore one of them enough, and they become the villain,” Levine said, describing it as a major milestone in the game’s development.
The director drew a comparison to Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor and its Nemesis System, though he emphasized that Judas aims to build deeper and more personal relationships with its core cast. The Big 3 will compete for the player’s loyalty, offering assistance in battles, revealing secrets, or undermining each other. The ultimate goal, Levine explained, is to make the decision of who to trust emotionally challenging, with each betrayal or loss carrying significant narrative weight.
Levine also reflected on BioShock Infinite’s relationship system with Elizabeth, noting that in Judas, the balance shifts. The characters will observe and react to the player’s behavior, forming opinions based not only on combat and crafting decisions but also on interactions with one another. This approach was tested in Judas’ largest playtest so far, where participants reportedly highlighted how shifting alliances and betrayals shaped their strategies and emotional investment.
Alongside the gameplay update, Ghost Story Games revealed new key art for Judas. Levine cited inspiration from Drew Struzan’s iconic movie posters, designed to showcase large casts. The artwork teases the scale of the upcoming shooter, which is said to feature more than one hundred speaking roles in addition to the lead characters. While the image includes hints of what awaits players, the studio indicated that many details remain under wraps.
As for when Judas will launch, Ghost Story Games refrained from committing to a release date. Levine acknowledged the challenges of development timelines, stressing the team’s priority to avoid shifting dates after a formal announcement. The game is planned for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
