Mild spoilers for BioShock Infinite ahead.

Highlights

  • BioShock Infinite stands out due to the voiced protagonist, Booker DeWitt, offering insight into his thoughts.
  • Future BioShock games should continue giving protagonists a voice to enhance their relationships with other characters.
  • Voiceless protagonists allow player immersion, but voiced ones, like Booker in BioShock Infinite, enrich the game world.

Though the overall BioShock franchise has been critically acclaimed, the entries within it are arguably of varying quality. One of the most celebrated entries is the third one, BioShock Infinite, which follows the adventures of Booker and Elizabeth. The tale delves into themes that are seldom addressed in gaming, including religion and racism.

One of the reasons why BioShock Infinite is such a memorable title is due to the complex characters, including the protagonist Booker DeWitt. Far from being a stock hero, he is a man with depth and a slew of shameful secrets. Furthermore, players get to learn more about the world around him and his character because, unlike prior protagonists in the series, he is voiced, allowing him to express his own thoughts and comment on events around him. This is something the next BioShock game should build upon, as it contributes greatly to the worldbuilding.

bioshock infinite welcome center columbia concept art ben lo
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The Characters of BioShock Infinite

BioShock Infinite is an iconic game for several reasons, including its themes and gameplay. It is also notable for the effort put into the depth of the main characters. This is true of the main protagonist, Booker DeWitt, who is a complex character, and as the story progresses, players' feelings towards him are likely to change. This is largely because he is voiced (by Troy Baker), giving players a window into his mind and his emotions, unlike the silent heroes of previous BioShock games..

He initially appears to be a typical hero who rescues Elizabeth. However, as more time is spent with him, it is revealed that he has a dark history as a former Pinkerton National Detective Agency agent, and he has committed atrocities against Native Americans. His relationship with BioShock's Elizabeth is also complex. Although their desires intersect at times, she is aghast at his dark past, and he feels great guilt. He wrestles with the idea of forgiveness and repentance, struggling to find a resolution within himself about his past deeds.

Will the BioShock Franchise Continue?

It was announced in December 2019 that a new BioShock game is in development. However, nothing has been revealed regarding what's in store, and it appears a long wait is in store, as 2K states that it will be in development for several years.

The Next BioShock Needs Another Compelling Protagonist

Bioshock Infinite Booker Dewitt

BioShock Infinite features a protagonist that bucks typical conventions far better than BioShock 1 and 2, which wouldn't be possible without giving Booker a voice. It would be a step backward if the next BioShock game went back to a voiceless protagonist, as players would lose insight into the hero's thoughts and inner world, which is something that makes Booker stand out not just in his franchise, but among FPS games as a whole.

Giving Booker a voice also allows him to have a much more complex relationship with Elizabeth, who is one of the most memorable female characters in gaming. It never feels as though Elizabeth and the other characters are simply talking at Booker. Instead, there's an exchange going on, allowing for relationships to change their form in response to the things Booker says and does.

Is There Any Value In a Silent Protagonist?

Silent protagonists aren't completely useless. They can be highly effective in allowing players to self-insert and immerse themselves in a new world. However, this comes with downsides. Too many mysteries remain and players are robbed of the protagonist's inner world. This can be detrimental in narrative FPS games, which tend to devolve into mindless shooters if there isn't a strong enough story.

BioShock Infinite certainly isn't the only game to feature complex characters, but with a compelling story set in the unforgettable backdrop of Columbia, it's hard not to crave more. Hopefully, the next BioShock game can surpass the heights reached by its predecessor.