Ken Levine keeping mum on BioShock Universe continuity
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For those who've been wondering how the recently announced BioShock Infinite's universe relates (if at all) to the original BioShock ... well, it would seem that answer isn't coming anytime soon.
Irrational Studios' big daddy, Ken Levine, told Joystiq at Gamescom today, "You can see from the gameplay perspective connections between the games, how it's a BioShock game. I think we'll learn over time about what and if the other connections are. But it's really important to me that the same way if I had talked to people about 'would you kindly' or anything like that ahead of time, it would have taken away a lot of the experience. We want to protect the experience."
When we politely pointed out that he had avoided answering the question on whether the game is set in the same universe, he simply reiterated, "We want to protect the experience." He did eventually note regarding criticisms of the game's name: "More will be understood in time. The name will become far less mysterious once you finish the game." Yeah, great -- that's two agonizing years from now!
Irrational Studios' big daddy, Ken Levine, told Joystiq at Gamescom today, "You can see from the gameplay perspective connections between the games, how it's a BioShock game. I think we'll learn over time about what and if the other connections are. But it's really important to me that the same way if I had talked to people about 'would you kindly' or anything like that ahead of time, it would have taken away a lot of the experience. We want to protect the experience."
When we politely pointed out that he had avoided answering the question on whether the game is set in the same universe, he simply reiterated, "We want to protect the experience." He did eventually note regarding criticisms of the game's name: "More will be understood in time. The name will become far less mysterious once you finish the game." Yeah, great -- that's two agonizing years from now!
Reader Comments (27)
Posted: Aug 20th 2010 2:51PM DeeZeee said
I'll take that as a yes. Hopefully the connection doesn't seem forced. I hate prequels that try to hard. It should be a little connection, not something huge like, the two main characters had something to do with the creation of Rapture...
That would make me laugh.
That would make me laugh.
Posted: Aug 20th 2010 6:59PM Chareth Cutestory said
@DeeZeee
Joystiq doesn't want me to reply to your post...
I'll try once more, regardless. The connection should be the plasmids. Its the only overt one we've seen, so far. If plasmids are based on adam, they shouldn't exist yet, but there'll probably be an explanation that tenuously links the games.
Reply
Joystiq doesn't want me to reply to your post...
I'll try once more, regardless. The connection should be the plasmids. Its the only overt one we've seen, so far. If plasmids are based on adam, they shouldn't exist yet, but there'll probably be an explanation that tenuously links the games.
Posted: Aug 20th 2010 2:52PM Ellimem said
I just want this game to be out already. That trailer got me pumped and it is a two years away (or a year and a half in 'Grant time').
Posted: Aug 20th 2010 2:53PM Curtis17 said
It had to be connected, cause if its a whole "Final Fantasy" style (no connection but in theme and name), then I call "Marketing Bullshit".
Posted: Aug 20th 2010 2:55PM MrCompletely said
Is it not obvious that you play as young Andrew Ryan?
Posted: Aug 20th 2010 4:02PM NotorietyH said
@MrCompletely I was just going to say exactly that.
Reply
Posted: Aug 20th 2010 6:01PM Capitalist Pig said
@MrCompletely
Considering Ryan's first exposure to America was after he fled Russia during the Bolshevik Revolution, I'd say that's unlikely...
Reply
Considering Ryan's first exposure to America was after he fled Russia during the Bolshevik Revolution, I'd say that's unlikely...
Posted: Aug 20th 2010 6:54PM Chareth Cutestory said
@MrCompletely
They've already revealed the main character's name, and that he has a name, and that you'll hear from him throughout the game.
While they've hoodwinked us in the past, him being Ryan sounds like one hell of a stretch.
You'd also have to wonder at the mind of a man who would survive living on a failed flying city and think, "Hmm... This probably would've worked on the bottom of the sea."
Reply
They've already revealed the main character's name, and that he has a name, and that you'll hear from him throughout the game.
While they've hoodwinked us in the past, him being Ryan sounds like one hell of a stretch.
You'd also have to wonder at the mind of a man who would survive living on a failed flying city and think, "Hmm... This probably would've worked on the bottom of the sea."
Posted: Aug 20th 2010 2:57PM Ryguy226 said
Oh Kevin, you are such a cock tease with your information. Color me excited for the game!
Posted: Aug 20th 2010 3:10PM Iron Man said
Well, big plot twist confirmed :D
Posted: Aug 20th 2010 3:21PM Scuffles said
legitimate clamp down on information or marketing ploy to get everyone chomping at the bit to figure "nothing" out?
regardless I'm really interested in the game, tho I will admit I probably won't pick it up till its in GOTY form or at the least $19 or less. Too much on my plate as it is even tho this looks to be a damn good game.
regardless I'm really interested in the game, tho I will admit I probably won't pick it up till its in GOTY form or at the least $19 or less. Too much on my plate as it is even tho this looks to be a damn good game.
Posted: Aug 20th 2010 3:26PM den69 said
We will have to wait two years to see if my guess on the other article was right lol
Anyway if I am I will be redirecting everyone haha
Anyway if I am I will be redirecting everyone haha
Posted: Aug 20th 2010 3:39PM FuzziEzra said
Can someone tell me why there talking about this game already it's two year away. I don't get it.
Posted: Aug 20th 2010 5:42PM Kid Icarus said
@FuzziEzra
good point sir.
From now on no one may mention Episode 3 either...
/s
Reply
good point sir.
From now on no one may mention Episode 3 either...
/s
Posted: Aug 20th 2010 3:41PM Lucky The Fox said
Your main ally turns out to be the real bad guy. There you go.
Posted: Aug 20th 2010 3:54PM postpwn said
YOU are Andrew Ryan.
Posted: Aug 20th 2010 5:00PM DigitalFortress said
@postpwn
No, YOU are Andrew Ryan! Or is it them? Maybe its me? Arrggh who knows!!
Reply
No, YOU are Andrew Ryan! Or is it them? Maybe its me? Arrggh who knows!!
Posted: Aug 20th 2010 4:32PM Desecron said
Calling it now, one of the airships crashes into the sea at the end - and Andrew Ryan is aboard...
... and he's the player controlled character.
... and you're Darth Revan.
... and he's the player controlled character.
... and you're Darth Revan.
Posted: Aug 20th 2010 6:57PM Chareth Cutestory said
LOL MAYBE YOU'RE ANDREW RYAN IN THIS VIDEO GAME.
Oh, what? Everyone else already said that, but I was in too big of a hurry to be hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiilarious to read anyone else's comments?
Oh, what? Everyone else already said that, but I was in too big of a hurry to be hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiilarious to read anyone else's comments?
Posted: Aug 23rd 2010 7:58PM ch3burashka said
So, basically, they do exist in the same universe...
I honestly feel for Ken and others when faced with these questions. Unless they go all Jaffe and lie, their answers still give them away. Unless it's a hard "no", it's usually a "yes" in disguise, this one even more so than others.
I honestly feel for Ken and others when faced with these questions. Unless they go all Jaffe and lie, their answers still give them away. Unless it's a hard "no", it's usually a "yes" in disguise, this one even more so than others.
Posted: Aug 23rd 2010 7:59PM ch3burashka said
So, basically, they do exist in the same universe...
I honestly feel for Ken and others when faced with these questions. Unless they go all Jaffe and lie, their answers still give them away. Unless it's a hard "no", it's usually a "yes" in disguise, this one even more so than others.
I honestly feel for Ken and others when faced with these questions. Unless they go all Jaffe and lie, their answers still give them away. Unless it's a hard "no", it's usually a "yes" in disguise, this one even more so than others.





