Q: What distinguishes Take Two's approach as a publisher, as opposed to previous partners like VU Games?

A: VU was a great partner, I just read on a web page that we had a falling out with them, which was news to me, as we just finished the SWAT expansion pack for them and have very close personal relationships with many people there.

I'd say 2K is a bit more of a risk taker, which we appreciated. The titles we're doing with them have an opportunity to really re-imagine what gaming can be. You've never really played anything quite like them.

Q: EA recently re-filed for a trademark for a System Shock 3. Is Irrational worried that EA might try to release a third game in the series that Irrational had a hand in and release it around the time of BioShock?

A: The more people who make games like Shock 2 and BioShock the merrier as far as I’m concerned. Open-ended coolness is not about any one franchise. System Shock was an extension of a type of game started with the Ultima Underworld series, and was continued with games like Deus Ex, Morrowind and even Grand Theft Auto. What’s cool is that now, unlike in 1999 when Shock 2 came out, when I say “open-ended” and “emergent” people don’t look at me like I’m on peyote.