Highlights
- Setting has always been a defining element of BioShock, and an open-world approach in BioShock 4 could provide more opportunities for immersive environmental storytelling.
- While an open-world design could offer new approaches to gameplay and exploration, it may also risk diluting the horror and atmospheric elements that defined the franchise.
- Ultimately, BioShock 4 must carefully consider whether to stick to its iconic and important linear design or take the leap into open-world, considering the potential for both retaining what makes the franchise special and offering a fresh gaming experience.
With BioShock 4 on the (distant) horizon, many fans of the franchise have speculated about the game's setting, premise, and general approach to game design and structure. Time will tell exactly what features BioShock 4 will retain from the older entries in the series, but there is one important, foundational decision that holds a lot of potential: the decision to set the game in an open-world.
Setting has always been a defining element of the BioShock series. First taking place in deep-sea Rapture and later in sky-bound Columbia, the trilogy has always built its lore, intrigue, and plot around these dystopian, hidden civilizations. Because of this, environmental storytelling is a major focus, and players can often glean a great deal of information about specific characters or historic events without absorbing a line of dialog or a second of a cutscene. To this end, the franchise has always adopted a relatively linear design, with minimal backtracking, freedom of movement, or branching paths. However, as fans await more info about BioShock 4, some are wondering whether the future entry will change this fundamental aspect of the series, and whether this will be the wrong or right decision.
The Pros of BioShock 4 Going Open-World
Atmosphere is king in BioShock. Whether a player is sneaking through the terrifying, water-logged art deco halls of Rapture or running and gunning through the sunny streets of Columbia, the character of the world is present in nearly every glimpse of the environment. With a shift to an open-world, more opportunities for environmental storytelling could present themselves in BioShock 4.
The previous BioShock games were set in interior spaces or outdoor areas that were relatively constrained. Even BioShock Infinite, which is considered to be much more open than its predecessors, is linear and concise by the standards of many modern games. If the rumors about BioShock 4's setting are true, then an open-world design could open the door to larger areas alongside the more bespoke, dense levels, which would allow for new approaches to environmental storytelling. Even if BioShock 4 returns to Rapture or Columbia, letting players freely explore these cities would offer something new and valuable. Generally speaking, if Cloud Chamber wants to give the next BioShock the most chances to set itself apart in terms of exploration, world-building, and gameplay, taking the open-world approach would be a considerable boon.
The Cons of BioShock 4 Going Open-World
Its no secret that open-world game design can be somewhat controversial, with many open-world games feeling empty or shallow. BioShock is defined by its horror and atmospheric elements, and these elements can be hard to achieve without the control that is granted to developers via a firmly structured, linear design philosophy. A sprawling open world could mean unique approaches to storytelling and gameplay, but it could also neuter these valuable elements, making the experience feel a bit too game-y and less focused.
Overall, BioShock would have to change its identity, at least a bit, if a future entry were to take the open-world path. An open-world BioShock 4 couldn't have as many big reveals or shocking moments, and the game's pacing and immersion would heavily rely on the player's own input and approach to the exploring the world.
BioShock 4 has a lot of games to compete with, and it may be in the game's favor to stick to what made the series so iconic and important in the first place, reminding everyone why BioShock made such a cultural impact. Then again, if Cloud Chamber has a strong vision for an open-world BioShock, then maybe it should take the leap. If done well, it could retain what makes the franchise so special, while also offering up a novel, modern gaming experience.
BioShock 4 is in development.