BioShock 4is currently in development at a new studio, Cloud Chamber. The studio includes many developers who worked on previousBioShockgames, but the absence ofBioShockcreator Ken Levine has left many fans wondering about the future of the series.
Based on several job postings for positions at Cloud Chamber,BioShock 4may be going in a very different direction than the previous games in the dystopian sci-fi franchise. In fact, the pathBioShockappears to be going down bears a resemblance to recentAssassin’s Creedgames, which might mean a lot for the future ofBioShock.
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Assassin’s Creed’s Evolution
The last threeAssassin’s Creedgames-Origins,Odyssey, andValhalla- marked a distinct turn in the series' design. Ubisoft began adding new features like an RPG-style dialogue system and the ability to choose the protagonist’s gender. While the series has technically had open worlds for a long time, fromOriginsonAssassin’s Creedbegan to resemble an open-world RPG series more than its action-adventure roots.
The divide betweenAssassin’s Creed’s historical-fiction plotlines and its modern-day story allowed players to unlock different endings in the historical plot without derailing the series' overarching narrative. InAssassin’s Creed Valhalla, for example, the player’s choices will affect Eivor’s relationship with their brother Sigurd. While this changes the tone of the historical-fiction plot’s ending, the pair stilldefeat Basimand trap him in the Grey with the same implications for the modern-day storyline.
There is evidence thatBioShockwill also be adding RPG-style dialogue options in the next game. A Cloud Chamber job listing for the position of Senior Voice Designer requested experience designing similar dialogue systems. More divergence based on player decisions and dialogue options could certainly help distinguishBioShock 4fromBioShock Infinite, which made a point of demonstrating that the choices Booker made throughout the story were ultimately arbitrary.
There’s also evidence that Cloud Chamber could be aiming for a more open-world experience, though thelocation ofBioShock 4has yet to be revealed. A job listing for a Systems Designer position requested “an innate sense of how game systems connect and enhance one another in an emergent sand-box world.” While neither of these job listings definitively prove which features will be added or changed inBioShock 4, it seems likely that the series, likeAssassin’s Creed, will increasingly resemble an open-world RPG.
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The Future For BioShock 4
It is possible forBioShockto incorporate open-world RPG features without compromising its strong central storylines. Whileseries likeThe Elder Scrollsare known for prioritizing the breadth of their open worlds above character-driven storytelling,Assassin’s Creed’s evolution has demonstrated thatBioShockcan become more an open-world RPG while still maintaining a focus on its main plot.
Maintaining that focus will be particularly vital forBioShock, a series known for its shocking twists, exploration of philosophical themes, and memorable characters in a way that fewopen-world RPGscan boast. It is also possible thatBioShock 4will have an open-world without having an RPG style dialogue system, or vice versa. While the directionBioShock 4will go is unclear for now, fans can take solace knowing that series likeAssassin’s Creedhave increasingly integrated open-world RPG features without undermining their core conceits or narrative focus.
In an ideal world, the addition of open-world RPG features toBioShockwon’t transform the series into anElder ScrollsorFallout-style game. ThoughBioShock 4can follow Ubisoft’s example, that likely won’t turn the game intoAssassin’s Creedeither. WhatAssassin’s Creedhas demonstrated is the potential forBioShockto change significantly while retaining its unique identity and capacity for ambitious storytelling. Whether or not Cloud Chamber will be able to stick the landing remains to be seen.
BioShock 4is currently in development.
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