Bioshock first graced us with its arrival way back in 2007. The game was received so well, critics from within and outside of the games industry hailed it as ‘a work of art’. The series would go on to release two further titles, each to resounding critical acclaim. However, the franchise’s continued life came into question after developer Irrational made some big changes. Creative Director, Ken Levine, downsized Irrational considerably and rebranded to Ghost Story Games to focus on narrative-heavy titles. The one string of hope Bioshock fans had to cling onto was that parent company 2K and publisher Take Two Interactive knew they held the rights to a cash cow in waiting.
Bioshock 4 May Have Been Spied First Hand
Shortly after Irrational’s rebranding to Ghost Story, Take Two stated publicly that it considered Bioshock as a franchise “a permanent one” and that “the closure of Irrational will not serve as the end of Bioshock”. So it is clear they remain committed to Bioshock. Most importantly, a report from Kotaku’s Jason Schrier continues to shed light on this. During one of his visits to 2K, he would later tweet that he saw ‘a top secret studio’ that he believed was working on a Bioshock game. While this may be very exciting, it does need to be taken with a pinch of salt. Nothing is yet confirmed. Say what you will about Schrier, his insider reports are usually bang on the money.
Among other details I learned while reporting this story: Right next to Hangar 13, a top-secret 2K studio is now working on a top-secret new BioShock game.
— Jason Schreier (@jasonschreier) April 13, 2018
Finally, we have some positive news from renowned analyst Michael Pachter. He believes a new Bioshock title will release late 2019 or early 2020. Which places it perfectly among those select few unannounced titles from 2K.
“We will get major game announcements from Take-Two. I think we’ll hear about a new BioShock game and a new title from Rockstar, both for 2020. It would be cheating to say that the company will announce Borderlands, since it will probably happen before this article is published.”
With all that we have learned about a possible new Bioshock game, it could well be the standout of this year’s E3. All the tidbits of ‘evidence’ certainly make the Bioshock forecast look good. For now, we’ll have to make do with the Bioshock Collection and cross our fingers. A big reveal at E3 could be around the corner next week.
Blake
so… it dint happen?
Linard
If it were to be announced at what showcase would it be ? do we already know it wont happen this year?
Joshua
I’ve been playing the collection and it makes me want a new entry that much more. There is no other game like Bioshock! I have waited so long to hear news of it, crossing my fingers it’s true
Tim
I’d love to return to the beauty of Columbia. That game resounded with the masses and deserves a follow up. A great well orchestrated intertwined plot which had us all talking. Bioshock Infinite was more than a mere game.
Please give us another adventure.
Chad
I think Infinite was okay on its own, but for a lot of us it reinforced that the star of Bioshock isn’t the plasmids, it’s Rapture. The groan of a Big Daddy, echoing down a guided, Art-deco hallway is part of what makes it Bioshock.