Summary
Other than the fact that it is currently being developed, virtually nothing is known about the hotly anticipatedBioShock 4. It’s being developed by Cloud Chamber, an internal 2K Games studio formed specifically for the purpose of continuing theBioShockseries, and while there’s every reason to believe that the new studio is up to the task of delivering the long-awaitedBioShock 4, there’s one major reason why the game needs to deliver something soon: Ken Levine’sJudas.
WhileBioShock 4hasn’t seen the light of day,Judasis having its moment in the sun. Viewed by many as a sort of spiritual successor toBioShock,Judasis taking many of the former’s conventions, such as light immersive sim elements and shooter-magic-hybrid gameplay, and placing them in a dystopian sci-fi setting that feels unmistakablyBioShock. Of course, the game is also being spearheaded by Ken Levine, the former creative lead forBioShock, who many consider the visionary force responsible for the franchise’s success.
With Judas Raking In Positive Press, BioShock 4 Needs to Show Up
Judas Is Looking Promising
Judasmight as well beBioShock 4. This is a sentiment echoed by many in the games industry right now, as the parallels between Levine’s upcoming game and the iconic, classic franchise are undeniable. At the same time,Judasis doing a lot of new stuff with theBioShockformula, adopting a radically different setting and roguelike format, both of which have the potential to contribute to an experience that is similar toBioShock, but still refreshing and innovative.
Innovation is at the heart ofBioShock, especially its first two entries, sowhatJudasdoes differentlyis just as important as what it reprises.
Crickets Are Chirping for BioShock 4
Rumors aboutBioShock 4abound, but there hasn’t been so much as a reveal trailer for the game, and key details like setting (which is immeasurably important for aBioShockgame) remain a mystery. Comparisons betweenJudasandBioShock 4will inevitably continue regardless of how different they are from one another, so ifJudaslives up to the hype and rakes in both critical and commercial success, then it would certainlysteal a bit ofBioShock 4’s thunder.
How BioShock Can Combat Unfavorable Judas Comparisons
Judasis a new player in the games industry: it’s the first title from Ghost Story Games and not part of any existing franchise. Ideally,BioShock 4would have got out in front ofJudas, establishing the authority of its brand and reminding audiences that it’s the ‘true’BioShockexperience, so to speak. That ship has sailed, obviously, and nowBioShockruns the risk of playingsecond fiddle toJudas’ fresh gameplay reveal.
But this might not be all bad. After all,Judasmight be getting compared toBioShock, but it’s a different type of game in many ways as well, and the changes it makes to theBioShockformula won’t be for everyone. The roguelike approach thatJudasis adopting, for instance, might not resonate with players looking for the raw, linear adventure that typifies previousBioShockgames. ABioShock 4reveal could cater to that audience, showing how it’s either sticking to the series' roots or building upon them in a more direct way.
BioShock 4might be able to better fill the void left inBioShock Infinite’s wake, but Cloud Chamber and 2K may want to pick up the pace a bit. It’s looking more and more likely thatJudaswill launch beforeBioShock 4, with Ghost Story Games aiming to release the game before March 2025. IfJudasdrops beforeBioShock 4even gets a full gameplay reveal, the latter could be fighting an uphill battle, at least where marketing and brand prominence are concerned.
