BioShock 4 is currently in development by a new team called Cloud Chamber. It was formally announced in late 2019, and fans have been excited to see how the game will turn out. There are few official details available about BioShock 4, but it's unknown how the title will compare to the original BioShock games, but some significant rumors could provide some indication. As with any unofficial information, it's best to take rumors lightly unless they're proven accurate.
The new BioShock game will be the first developed without Ken Levine. Instead, BioShock 4 is being developed by Cloud Chamber, a team of experienced franchise veterans. Since its official announcement in late 2019, there has been no further news about the game. 2K Games did set expectations clearly at the time, however, by stating that the game would be in development for several years. Despite the lack of news on BioShock 4, this hasn't stopped the rumor mill from turning in the time since its proper reveal.
BioShock 4's Job Listings
One of the biggest sources for rumors has been Cloud Chamber's job listings. The team's open vacancies have caused a stir among BioShock fans and have given some insight into the upcoming title. An open job with Cloud Chamber from 2020 has indicated that BioShock 4 could be set in a new location, as the team was looking for someone to help craft a "new and fantastical world." This job description has been the source of arguably the biggest rumor about the title.
Cloud Chamber's job listings have also indicated that BioShock 4 could be adding RPG elements. Specifically, Cloud Chamber was looking for someone with experience dealing with voiced dialogue systems. This could mean that dialogue options will be included in BioShock 4. Additionally, the job listings suggest that BioShock 4 could have an "emergent sandbox world." This would imply that the game is going to use a true open-world for the first time in the series history. The previous games in the series, especially BioShock 1 and 2, had open areas, but the franchise has never used a fully open world previously.
Other than BioShock's RPG turn and the possibility of an open world, some details have possibly been revealed about its combat. Further job listings have signaled that the series will be retaining its first-person perspective. Cloud Chamber was also looking for a Combat Lead, who would help the team craft combat that would allow players a "high degree of player expression" in a reactive world. This doesn't sound wildly different from what the series has offered so far, so players could potentially expect a familiar yet expanded take on the series' trademark combat.
BioShock 4's Rumored PS5 Exclusivity, Unreal Engine 5
A recent rumor suggests that BioShock 4 is going to be a PS5 exclusive. This rumor originated from the Xbox Era podcast, where it was inferred that BioShock 4 could be fully exclusive to PS5, or a timed exclusive. This is certainly a rumor to pay no heed to until some form of official confirmation. PS5 exclusivity would be a surprising step for 2K and Cloud Chamber, though it's not likely.
Another rumor that has stemmed from a job listing is that BioShock 4 will be built using Unreal Engine 5. Unreal Engine 5 was shown off in a technical showcase in 2020, and it showed an unparalleled level of visual detail. If BioShock 4 is being created using this game engine, players could be in for an exciting, visually impressive game.
BioShock 4 wasn't present at E3 and it's unlikely to be shown off soon, but the rumor mill surrounding the game could inform players on critical aspects of the game. Rumors shouldn't be taken confirmation of any details, as details could be subject to change while the game is in development. The fact that most of the rumors about BioShock 4 have come from job listings, however, could be promising. BioShock 4 is a hugely anticipated game, and players will likely need to wait for some time to see if any of the rumors prove to be true.
BioShock 4 is currently in development.