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Celebrate 10 years of 'BioShock' with a $200 boxset
It's hard to believe, but as of today, the extremely influential BioShock is ten years old. To commemorate the art-deco shooter's birthday, publisher 2K will release a fancy commemorative edition of the claustrophobic, undersea morality tale on November 14th this year. Brace yourself, though, because it won't be cheap. $200 will get you an 11-inch statue featuring the series' iconic Little Sister and her Big Daddy protector along with last year's BioShock: The Collection remasters and a numbered certificate of authenticity.
The studio behind BioShock Infinite is no more
The studio responsible for both BioShock and BioShock Infinite is breaking up, according to a note from creative lead Ken Levine on the company's website. Following the final content release this past month for Irrational Games' latest work, BioShock Infinite, the company's head (Levine) and a group of "about fifteen members of the Irrational team" formed a new, dramatically smaller venture within the parent company that owns Irrational (Take-Two Interactive -- the same folks who own Grand Theft Auto-developer Rockstar Games, among others). That's from a crew of nearly 200 at the peak of Infinite's development in Summer 2012. It's not clear if Irrational will still be the name of the studio; either way, Levine said, "I am winding down Irrational Games as you know it." Levine and his new splinter crew will focus on one goal: "To make narrative-driven games for the core gamer that are highly replayable." In that vein, he's "handing over the reins" of BioShock to Take-Two and going head down on his new, digital-only project(s). It's also likely that Levine needs extra time for his non-gaming work, such as helping pen the remake to Logan's Run. Though BioShock 2 was developed by another Take-Two studio (2K Marin), both the original BioShock and BioShock Infinite were crafted in-house at Irrational Games; it's unclear if the franchise will continue, but we've reached out to Take-Two for comment. Update: Take-Two told us, "At this point 2K and Take-Two are directing all inquiries to the Irrational Blog for details on today's announcement." Update 2: More from Take-Two just came in, somewhat confirming the continuation of the BioShock franchise: "BioShock is one of our most beloved and critically acclaimed franchises, and we are indebted to Ken and the talented team at Irrational Games for their contributions to the series with BioShock and BioShock Infinite; the latter being one of the most decorated games of 2013. The BioShock universe remains a rich creative canvas for many untold stories, and we look forward to exploring the next BioShock experience."
BioShock creator confirmed as scriptwriter for Logan's Run remake
The mind behind BioShock's Big Daddies and BioShock Infinite's Songbird is apparently also getting behind the script for a Logan's Run film remake. Irrational Games creative director and head Ken Levine is working on a Logan's Run remake script, Irrational confirmed to Engadget today, which he was tapped to pen by Warner Bros. "I can confirm that the information is indeed correct, but unfortunately there is no other information we can share or comment to be given at this point," the rep told us. According to a Deadline report that surfaced earlier this week, Levine is continuing his work at Irrational in the meantime -- the studio's working on a few content packs for its latest BioShock release, and assuredly other things -- while Jon Berg oversees the Logan's Run project. Also in the report: this remake has been in the works for some time, though Levine's addition is new to the project. In case it wasn't already clear, there's a pretty sweet Logan's Run movie (based on the original 1967 book) starring Michael York as "Logan 5." The very, very mid-'70s poster for that film is cropped just above.
Ken Levine keynoting first MIT 'Business in Gaming' conference
Focusing on riveting hot-button issues like "digital distribution, marketing, and in-game advertising," the MIT Sloan School of Management is kicking off its first ever "Business in Gaming " Conference (BiG) with BioShock magnate Ken Levine as inaugural keynote speaker. We'll be there, Big Daddy statues and permanent markers in tow, and when we're not ogling KennyL we'll likely check out the panel featuring ex-Boston Red Soxer Curt Schilling of 38 Studios speaking about MMO business models. Hey, maybe he'll talk about that game his company's been making for three years! Code-named Copernicus? No? You don't remember that one? Yeah, neither do we.
BioShock sets download and sales records, sequels to follow?
BioShock has been the hotness ever since it released last month and we're packing the digits and numbers to prove it. During a 2K Games investor call, 2K chairman Strauss Zelnick confirmed that BioShock has already sold 1.5 million copies worldwide, is on track to become one of the best selling games ever and that the XBLM BioShock demo has set new download records for a nine day period. Impressive, no? Zelnick then went on to plant a seed of hope stating that the BioShock franchise might adopt the Grand Theft Auto business model of having a new game release every two years. Yup, it just might be possible that we'll be harvesting (or saving) little sisters every few years for the rest of our lives ... oh joy!It's more than obvious 2K is pleased with what Irrational 2K Boston has done with BioShock and if sequels get churned out every few years we just hope the the quality and the storylines are equally amazing as the original. Congrats 2K Boston![Via Joystiq]
BioShock title update isn't all that exciting
The next time you plop in BioShock be prepared to experience the phenomena known as an automatic title update. That's right, 2K Games just released a title update for good old BioShock and, to be honest, it's a rather yawn inducing update at that. The title update is more or less a general maintenance fix the helps improve the stability of game saves, audio fixes, some AI behaviors and all that jazz. So, no new plasmids, no new features, and no big bug squash. It's simply a vanilla flavored update.
Rumor: New BioShock plasmids already exist
Those sneaky file searchers over at the 2K Games forums have uncovered a few text strings embedded in the PC version of BioShock's game code which hint at a new set of plasmids coming our way. After looking through the game's install files for a reference to a PC game editor, forum member Zemlor stumbled across a reference to a piece of content called "PlasmidPack1". The description for the content reads; "Having concluded clinical trials on four new Genetic Improvements, Ryan Industries is proud to announce the general release of their newest products:" and lists four new plasmids including Machine Buster, Vending Expert, Sonic Boom and Eve Savor. Not only that, but the game code also lists various unused plasmid types and descriptions. Exciting, no?But don't get overly pumped just yet, because it seems that the new plasmid content needs to be activated via some sort of online key. Also, this code was found on the PC version and could simply be "junk code". Though, we're the gambling types and are willing to bet that new plasmids will be hitting the XBLM in the near future and (fingers crossed) for free. Because if we have to pay for them and they are already on the BioShock game disc awaiting an online "activation code" to unlock, then we'll be a few bitter fanboys. Not allowing us to use certain content that's already on the disc for the sole reason of charging us down the road makes us furious. Don't do it 2K ... don't do it.[Thanks, Matt]
Rein uses BioShock to praise Unreal Engine
X3F readers may recall that Silicon Knights recently started a legal tiff with Epic Games concerning the Unreal Engine 3, which runs Silicon Knights' latest project Too Human. Not long after Silicon Knights made their issues known, other developers spoke publicly about their relationships with Epic (both good and bad). Yes, things looked sour for the Unreal Engine 3, and along comes BioShock as a shining beacon of Unreal success. Epic's Mark Rein, speaking to Develop, has praised the game as an excellent example of the work that can be done with the Unreal Engine 3. Rein noted that Epic is always open to developer feedback and happy to help them "take the most advantage of our technology."It will be interesting to see if the success of an Unreal-powered game like BioShock will have an effect on the battle between Silicon Knights and Epic.[Via Joystiq]
Work at Valve? No BioShock for you!
We can hear the classic conversation now. "Can I have some BioShock? Pleeeease!" "Not until you've finished your Orange Box." "Aw, nuts!" In an interview with CVG, Valve's Gabe Newell made it known that BioShock has been officially banned from the Valve offices. Is it part of some company policy that employees must not touch a competitors product? Nope, BioShock was banned in order to assure that the team properly finishes up work on The Orange Box. In Newell's words: "We had to ban BioShock from our offices," adding, "Nobody gets to play it until Orange Box is done - that's our reward to ourselves as a company; everyone gets a copy of BioShock." Wow. We can tell you right now, BioShock is definitely a danger to anyone's productivity, so we understand the decision. Hang in there Valve! We know you can do it, and trust us, BioShock is worth it.[Via Joystiq]
Sign up to have your broken Big Daddy replaced
For those of you who've purchased the BioShock limited edition, opened it up and found your Big Daddy figurine in a broken state ... listen up.2K Games has just launched a website allowing broken Big Daddy owners to request a new replacement figurine. To register for a new Big Daddy, head on over to the BioShock Support page, fill in the information and soon you'll be shipped a box. One you receive the pre-paid box, place your broken figure inside, send it out and once they receive it they'll speedily ship you a copy of the BioShock art book "Breaking the Mold". When new figurines are available (it'll be a bit, because they had to manufacture new ones) they'll ship you a brand new Big Daddy for you to hold and love. It's easy as pie!True, you'll have to be separated from your Big Daddy figurine for a while, but you're gaining a new art book and a pristine figurine with all the shipping and handling paid for. Nice job 2K, we knew you cared about us.
Rapture's musical melodies await your download
When playing through BioShock you can't help but notice the intense, emotional and ever so fitting orchestral score that chimes in throughout the game. These subtle musical tracks help set the mood and make your visit to Rapture all the more immersive. And today 2K Games is making it so you can carry these lovely orchestral scores wherever you. Over on the Cult of Rapture, the 2K Games crew is thanking the BioShock community by offering up all twelve BioShock orchestral tracks as a free download. Simply click the read link below to download 23MBs of pure BioShock musical bliss. Now we just have to figure out why exactly 2K didn't offer these tracks on the limited edition soundtrack CD.
Like BioShock? Thank Ayn Rand
Ayn Rand isn't a name you typically associate with videogames. At least, we never thought it would come to pass before someone finally green-lit the long awaited The Fountainhead: The Video Game. And yet, Wired has taken up the headline that "BioShock owes more to Ayn Rand than DOOM." Given that the pursuit of personal happiness is the ultimate goal of Rand's philosophy, we'd be hard-pressed to disagree. After all, we can't imagine anything making you happier than escaping Rapture alive, right? Just remember, from a Big Daddy's point of view, nothing would make him happier than seeing you dead. In all seriousness, the point of the article is that there is more to BioShock than shooting everything that moves. In fact, if you've been keeping up with the game, you'll know that it is actually heavily influenced by Rand. Still, if you find yourself with an unexplainable desire to become an Objectivist after playing BioShock, now you know why.
Levine responds to BioShock widescreen complaints
Yesterday, we reported on the numerous complaints that have been filling the internets surrounding how BioShock handles widescreen displays. In short, to display widescreen BioShock pulls in the 4:3 aspect ratio and cuts off the top and bottom giving 16:9 ratio players a much smaller game view. So, last night 2K Boston big man Ken Levine hopped on the 2K Games forums to ease the hostility and acknowledge that their team is looking into the issue. Levine explains that he has been trying to wrangle together people to look at the problems and find answers, but the time difference between here and their Australian dev team coupled with vacationing employees has made it difficult to get answers. So, Levine wants everyone to know they do care, that they are looking into the BioShock issues and asks that we have a "bit of understanding as to the time scale that software development issues must occur in".Even though Ken didn't give us any answers to our widescreen woes, we suddenly feel a warm fuzzy feeling tingling through our toes and into our heart. We'll be patient Ken Levine ... for a little while.
They cut it! BioShock widescreen issues reported
BioShock just released today (in the US) and already display problems are being reported. Over on the 2K Games forums, widescreen BioShock players have discovered (and are actively complaining about) how the game handles the 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio. Simply put, the widescreen display is getting its top and bottom chopped off. You see, the game's widescreen display is generated by pulling in the standard 4:3 aspect ratio display, but then cuts off the top and bottom to create the correct 16:9 ratio. This is very noticeable in the screenshot above, which was taken from a 4:3 ratio display, where the red bars show what widescreen players wouldn't be seeing as it's being cut off. This is a very abnormal of handling widescreen where developers usually render for a wider FOV and create a 16:9 ratio, then creating the 4:3 ratio by cutting off the left and right sides. It's a very odd way of handling widescreen indeed. 2K Games has yet to respond to this display issue, but we're sure they'll have an answer soon ... unless they want a horde of angry fanboys at their front door.[Via Joystiq]
BioShock LE busted Big Daddies abound
We're receiving reports that many of the Big Daddy figurines included with the limited edition of BioShock are broken. X3F reader SirUrza noted that he turned away 3 copies at his local GameStop, noticing that the tip of the Big Daddy's drill was broken. SirUrza also notes that the copies with broken figurines were put right back on the shelf, so be mindful when picking up your own copy. Luckily for those that have already purchased a copy with a broken figurine, 2K is aware of the problem and is planning to replace all broken figurines. As a consolation until the new figurines are manufactured, 2K is also doling out special printed copies of "Breaking the Mold," the BioShock art book, to affected customers.If you are one of the unlucky gamers affected by this, keep your eye on the official 2K page for updates on the replacement program.
Limited BioShock soundtrack features Moby remix
2K Games sent out a press release announcing that their musical homies Moby and Oscar The Punk will have their remix skills featured on the exclusive (and so very limited) BioShock soundtrack. The soundtrack, which is included in the limited edition of BioShock, will feature three remixed tracks including "Beyond the Sea", "God Bless the Child" and "Wild Little Sisters" with all the remixing done by Mr. Moby and Oscar The Punk. We're not sure if their remixing skills are good, noteworthy or warrant a press release, but we'll trust good old 2K and proclaim that we're ready to get our jam on! w00t! Ahem, other BioShock soundtrack track listings have yet to be announced, but we're nearly certain one of them will include the words "big" or "daddy".
BioShock is on an impressive 100 streak
Coming off of a warm reception from those who played the demo, BioShock seems to have enough goods to be attracting excellent reviews and praise from the game review gods. Over on metacritic, two more BioShock reviews have been added from EuroGamer and Game Informer with both publications agreeing that BioShock deserves a perfect 100 score. These two, on top of OXM UK's perfect review, further push the BioShock hype-o-meter into overdrive and proves to doubters that the game has the goods and actually lives up to what was promised from day one.We'll keep an eye on these official reviews as they trickle in to see if this little masterpiece reaches the stratosphere of greatness. Or maybe you could win (win) BioShock from X3F, play it tomorrow, and then give us your official review of the entire game. Because we all know a fanboy's opinion is one of the most sought after.
Fanswag: Win a copy of BioShock, get it overnighted (Part 1) [We have a winner]
[Update: A winner has been chosen. Congratulations to ZappaKitty!]So, perhaps you heard that certain Toys R' Us locations are selling BioShock early. While we haven't been lucky enough to find a copy at our local store, Joystiq has snatched up four (count 'em four) copies of the game and decided to share them with us! Yes, we'll be giving away two copies of BioShock right here on X3F. Even better, the games will be overnighted to the winners so that they can get their BioShock on before anyone else. Both Joystiq and X3F will be giving away two copies today, for a grand total of four. What do you have to do to win? Here's the skinny: Leave a comment below that tries to make us not excited about BioShock (spoiler alert: you can't!) You may only comment on this specific post once. If you leave more than one comment, you'll be automatically disqualified so be careful, ok? If you enter more than once, only activate one comment -- otherwise we'll send a Big Daddy after you You can also enter our Part 2 giveaway, and both of Joystiq's giveaways (Part 1 & Part 2), giving you a total of four chances to win. You can only win once though. Not bad, eh? This contest is open to readers in the US only Entries can be submitted until 11:59 am ET on Friday, August 17th. Official rules are here, so check 'em if you've got any questions.
Toys R Us puts BioShock on shelves already
All around the internets gamers are reporting and showing picture proof that BioShock's release date has been broken by a certain retailer and that they have the game in hand. Reports starting surfacing that some Toys R Us stores have "accidentally" placed BioShock on their shelves, with gamers posting pictures of their early release purchase on NeoGAF, Cheap Ass Gamer, The7Gamers, 2K Games forums and more. So, if you have an itch for Big Daddy fun, make a call to your local Toys R Us today to see if they have BioShock available. Lesson learned, you just can't keep a Big Daddy from being released early ... you just can't.
Free BioShock artbook ready for download
Way back when Irrational Games asked fans what they wanted in the BioShock Limited Edition, one of the choices was an informative BioShock artbook. And, as we all know, it wasn't voted to be a part of the Limited Edition, because everyone thought a Big Daddy figurine was so much cooler. But that didn't sit well with the Irrational team, so they got all their goods together, compiled some information and made the BioShock artbook available free for download off of the The Cult of Rapture website. The art book, titled BioShock: Breaking the Mold, features all kinds of art and information about the game as well as a few concept ideas they had early on like making the Little Sisters be chipmunks instead of girls, no lie! The free artbook is available in low res and high res flavors and is a good "fix" that should hold you over until next Tuesday. But be warned, if you are afraid of spoilers skip Kevin Levine's foreword. Don't say we didn't warn you.
