The next BioShock title could be open world according to job listings

The last entry in the BioShock franchise, BioShock Infinite debuted all the way back in 2013. Since then, the future of the beloved sci-fi franchise has been in flux after the closure of BioShock developer Irrational Games in 2014. The only word on the franchise since then has been from publisher Take-Two Interactive, didn’t say much except that the franchise wasn’t forgotten. Apparently, that much is true about the series. According to some recently posted job listings at Cloud Chamber games, the next BioShock title is being worked on and might be open world.

Spotted by Twitter user Maruno NL3, the developer currently working on the next BioShock game needs some new hires. Cloud Chamber has open positions for AI programmers, a lead systems designer and more. However, the juicy details are in the descriptions for these positions.

A listing for a lead systems designer describes the game as an “emergent sandbox world.” Applicants would be responsible for creating “interactive world systems and non-AI systemic ecology” and “player growth stems and progression.” Previous BioShock titles haven’t had much in the way of interactivity with the world or player character progression, so both of these features would be brand new to the franchise.

& progression and Game balance and economy". This could indicate a more open ended level design, similar to the hub based 'open world' in Bioshock 1&2 rather than the more linear approach of Bioshock Infinite. The developer is also trying to make strides in terms of AI..

4/6

— MauroNL (@MauroNL3) December 9, 2020

Likewise, the listing for an AI programmer tasks applicants with something unique to BioShock. Those applying for this position will “collaborate with Design to create a vision for a meaningful AI urban crowd system.” BioShock titles in the past haven’t exactly been filled with bustling urban centers, usually, they take place in the wreckage of those. This note by itself could point to an open world design for the next entry in the BioShock franchise.

When will we see a new BioShock?

While these job listings may hint towards what’s possible for an upcoming BioShock title, it’s unclear when we’ll actually get to see it. Admittedly, it’s not looking like the game will be presentable any time soon. Some of these roles are key to a game’s development, and with them just being filled now, it’s safe to say that there’s still a lot of work to do on the game.