After the publication of Bioshock Infinite in 2013 (which also sparked some controversy at launch), the Bioshock it has been in a quiescent state for years. However it is known for sure that Bioshock 4 is under development, by Cloud Chamber.
A news regarding the assumptions by the studio suggests that the new episode could upset the formula of the series and propose something absolutely unexpected, even an open world universe for players to explore.
Apparently the studio is looking for different professionals, but the request that attracts attention is that of a "senior screenwriter who takes on the task of bringing the events of Bioshock into an open-world scenario".
The complete press release is as follows:
“Cloud Chamber is looking for a senior writer to join our talented narrative team to bring new life to the world of Bioshock. We hope to find someone who knows how to weave intriguing, character-based stories set in an open-world scenario. "
An open-world episode would be a sea change for the saga of Bioshock. Earlier rumors had suggested that Bioshock 4 would have a structure with branched dialogues and this seems more probable in light of the “open-world” hypothesis, because it would lead the game to delve deeper into RPG territory.
The announcement also refers to "primary and secondary mission design tasks" for the figure sought. This clearly indicates that the main story will also be accompanied by secondary paths.
The series of Bioshock has always been acclaimed for the design of its levels full of atmosphere. The first episode contributed to completely revolutionize narrative spaces same as the gaming industry.
Bioshock 4: what is known at the moment
Currently Bioshock 4 is being developed by a team of 2k, Called Cloud Chamber. The development team includes several developers who have already worked on previous episodes of the series. The historical author Ken Levine, But, will not be among them.
It is not known yet if the new episode will take place at Rapture, Columbia or in a completely new scenario. In reality, it is not even known if this game will be set in the same multiverse predicted by Bioshock Infinite, which linked Rapture to Columbia in a part of the main story and its DLC "Burial at Sea".
In any case, it all leads to think that Bioshock 4 will have a structure mostly aimed at the RPG. This would include a structure with branching dialogues, somewhat on the style of Fallout 4. It would be, in the case, a significant difference from previous episodes of the series. Until Bioshock Infinitein fact, the player was a mere witness of the protagonist's only response when he related to the characters of the game.
All the information reported so far come from, or have been freely deduced, from what is reported on official website of the study, also based on the announcements for the recruitment related to this project. We are all waiting for news and to be able to see something concrete about this new, very interesting project.
In the meantime, we remind those who missed this important and significant series and wanted to recover it, that the collection with all three previous episodes, entitled Bioshock: The Collection It is available for PC, PS4, Xbox One e Nintendo Switch, in a completely remastered and optimized version for these platforms.
