After the controversial and highly publicized micro-level downsizing of regular BioShock developer, Irrational Games, many BioShock fans were understandably panicked. Given that Irrational head, Ken Levine wanted to entirely shift his focus to small, narrative-driven game projects, it initially seemed apparent that the BioShock series was dead.
Fortunately, publisher, 2K Games was quick to confirm that the trademark and series rights for BioShock rests with them, and they had no intention of abandoning the highly beloved first-person shooter game franchise. It would seem that 2K was true to their word as well, as they’ve just issued confirmation that 2K Marin has been handed development duties on the BioShock series, going forward.
2K Marin previously developed ill-received X-COM spin-off, The Bureau: X-COM Declassified. Fortunately, they assisted in development with the first two BioShock games as well, particularly BioShock 2, where they served as lead co-developers with 2K Australia, indicating that they’re already familiar with the design sensibilities of the series. While 2K Marin was not involved at all with last year’s stellar BioShock Infinite, nor its subsequent DLC expansions, Clash in the Clouds and the two-part Burial at Sea, at least they won’t be given the franchise blind.
This doesn’t signify an official announcement of a new BioShock game by any means, but it still serves as assurance that the series will likely eventually make its way to PlayStation 4 and Xbox One with a new installment, while no doubt continuing on PC. Hopefully, this could also indicate a revival of Ken Levine’s pitch for a BioShock game on the PlayStation Vita, an idea that has since become vapourware, despite its high-profile announcement by Levine himself at Sony’s E3 2011 keynote.
How do you feel about 2K Marin taking the reins of the BioShock franchise? Are you excited? Nervous? Apathetic? As usual, your comments are welcome below.
Eggplante will continue to incubate your BioShock news, as we can formulate it.