Ghost Story Games, led by BioShock creator Ken Levine, has finally shared its first developer blog update for the long-in-development project Judas. The post offers a glimpse into the game’s narrative-driven “Villainy” mechanic and showcases new visuals but remains silent on a concrete release window.

Fans caught an official glimpse of Judas in early 2024, though the title has been gestating in some form since 2015. Ghost Story Games emerged in 2017 after Levine restructured Irrational Games, but details about the studio’s work have been scarce until now.

The blog highlights how Judas diverges from traditional antagonist roles seen in Levine’s previous titles like BioShock. “Where earlier villains like Fontaine or Comstock remained fixed in their roles, here your decisions draw members of The Big Three closer as allies. Neglect them, though, and they’ll morph into adversaries with enhanced abilities to undermine your progress,” the studio explains.

While acknowledging influences from Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor’s Nemesis System, Ghost Story clarifies their approach differs. Instead of randomized enemy hierarchies, Judas focuses on layered relationships with core characters—Tom, Hope, and Nefertiti. “Players will form complex bonds with these figures. Losing one should feel deeply personal. They’ll vie for your loyalty through favors, secrets, and sabotage—forcing tough choices about trust,” the post continues.

A recent playtest marked progress in refining these dynamics. However, the studio remains cautious about timelines, stating: “We’re committed to avoiding premature announcements. Release dates often shift, and we want certainty before sharing one. The team is focused on reaching the finish line.”

Industry watchers speculate Take-Two Interactive, Ghost Story’s parent company, tentatively targets 2026 for Judas—potentially concluding its 11-year incubation. Meanwhile, reports suggest BioShock 4 faces further delays, possibly slipping to 2027 amid ongoing development challenges.