The BioShock series has attracted a lot of analysis and criticism since the first game's release in 2007. Despite creative, fiscial, and logistical issues with the series development, the BioShock games have become huge successes. With all of this in mind, there's been a close eye on the development of a fourth game out of both excitement and trepidation.

A fourth BioShock game was announced in 2019 as a project that would take several years to complete. Confirmed details about the project are that it is being developed by Cloud Chambers, an internal studio within 2K, and that Hogarth de la Plante is acting as creative director after previously working on BioShock and BioShock 2. Rumors about a 2022 release date were fuelled by the Nvidia GeForce Now leak, but the validity of this information is in question. Since the theme of these games is so important, much speculation has been about the next BioShock's setting and concept. A recent rumor, based on statements from Last Stand Media owner Colin Moriarity, offers possible answers to these questions - and seem to be corroborated by VGS following another rumor the game is to be titled BioShock: Isolation.

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BioShock 4's Latest Rumors

Bioshock CROPPED

The most recent rumor about the new BioShock game was reported on Moriarty's podcast, Sacred Symbols, which is only available on Patreon. If Moriarty's source is correct, the fourth BioShock game will be set in an Antarctic city during the 1960s. Not only does this seem appropriate for the series, it also makes sense if the game is called BioShock: Isolation. Moriarty also said the game is codenamed "Parkside," and that the development team is aware of expected comparisons to original creator Ken Levine's new work.

The BioShock series has a lot of dedicated fans, so expectations are high. While BioShock: Infinite is somewhat devisive among fans of the series, many were happy to see the return of Levine since he didn't work on the second game. BioShock 2 has its own set of fans, but didn't recieve quite the same critical reception as Infinite. Overall, while the underwater city of Rapture played a huge role in the mood and theme of the first game, fans do seem ready to let it go (especially after Infinite introduced multiple timelines). As such, the move to a new location is almost certain, and a city in Antarctica certainly seems strange enough to slot right into the BioShock universe.

The Validty of BioShock 4 Rumors

Screenshot from Bioshock: Infinite showing the city of Columbus above the clouds.

Of course, everything remains speculation until an official announcement is released, but it is a safe bet that the new BioShock will be in a new location. Since the recent rumors align with ones about the game's possible title, as an Antartic location is definitely isolated, this idea is gaining a lot of traction. Job listings from Cloud Chamber also indicate this will be an open-world game in a new location.

Ultimately, the 2022 release date is the most unlikely of the rumors to surface so far, and fans will likely have to wait longer given ongoing issues like the COVID-19 pandemic. There are rumors that the game will feature in The Game Awards 2021, though this may be in a minimal capacity. However, with such close attention on development, it is natural that some insights will leak. In this respect, the development team's awareness of Levine's legacy almost goes without saying, but the public response to rumor like an Antartic setting has been positive. It may be some time become BioShock 4 can be assessed in any real capacity, but for fans eager for news, this rumor offers some exciting possibilities.

BioShock 4 is currently in development.

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