Bioshock 4 from Cloud Chamber is set to be the next installment in the series after 2013's BioShock Infinite. This will mark the first in the series without its creator, Ken Levine. While few details are known about BioShock 4, job listings have potentially given away some details about the game's direction. It seems as though the new title could be more heavily influenced by RPG games, which would depart from the series' mostly linear style. While this new direction might not necessarily please every fan, gamers are excited to see what it means for the series.
BioShock 4 likely isn't releasing any time soon, but gamers are still excited to see the return of the series. BioShock has proven to be a beloved IP, with each entry receiving critical acclaim and selling well. Cloud Chamber, the developer of BioShock 4, is a new studio formed under the 2K banner. While it's a new developer, some of the people involved have worked on the series before. Cloud Chamber undoubtedly wants to leave its own mark on the series, and using RPG mechanics could be a way to do so.
Branching Dialogue Options
One of the most prevalent rumors is that BioShock 4 will feature a dialogue system, which could suit the game if it even loosely follows the template set by its predecessors. The previous games were steeped in political and social commentary, and the new game could similarly tackle big issues. With a dialogue system in place, it would allow players to choose how they want to approach these topics. This could allow players to engage fully with the larger issues at play, or stick to the main narrative. An element of choice is considered to be core to RPG gaming, and if BioShock 4 is pursuing role-playing mechanics, this could be an essential inclusion.
An Open-World Environment
Another widely upheld rumor is that BioShock 4 will feature a fully open world. This has been based on Cloud Chamber job listings which have implied that a new, open world is being designed for the game. While open-world games are commonplace these days, an open environment could suit the new BioShock game well. An open-world would allow for greater degrees of exploration, which some fans would love, whether it's set in Rapture, Columbia, or an entirely new location. This could also open up further opportunities for environmental storytelling, which is a narrative technique used in the series since the first game.
Open-Ended Quests and Non-Linear Story Elements
The introduction of RPG mechanics in BioShock 4 is something that should be handled carefully. It could mark a stark change in direction from the previous games in the series, which could alienate some fans depending on preference. While freedom and choice are core aspects of RPG gaming, it might be in the best interest of Cloud Chamber to balance these with the series traditional focus on big narratives. Bringing a little freedom with how certain parts of the story play out, without uprooting the main narrative, could bring some enjoyable freedom for players without Cloud Chamber needing to commit to a completely open-ended structure.
An approach to quests more in line with RPGs could help freshen up BioShock 4 somewhat. The events of previous games were quite linear, and even in BioShock Infinite where choices were presented, they ultimately didn't matter too much due to the endgame's twist. Cloud Chamber could look to instill some player-led decisions surrounding character fates and world events, but doing so in such a way that wouldn't impact the main narrative too heavily. This could broaden the game's appeal without sacrificing the story-heavy approach that existing fans enjoy.
BioShock 4 isn't expected to appear at trade shows like E3 2021 this year. In the meantime, players will certainly be musing over what the next game will be like. While it hasn't been confirmed to include role-playing mechanics, Cloud Chamber's job listings would suggest it's been influenced by the RPG genre. If Cloud Chamber can manage a careful balance between player choice and BioShock's familiar narrative focus, it stands a good chance of crafting a worthy RPG-influenced shooter.
BioShock 4 is currently in development.