BioShock 4 Needs to Strike While the Iron is Hot

Other than the fact that it is currently being developed, virtually nothing is known about the hotly anticipated BioShock 4. It’s being developed by Cloud Chamber, an internal 2K Games studio formed specifically for the purpose of continuing the BioShock series, and while there’s every reason to believe that the new studio is up to the task of delivering the long-awaited BioShock 4, there’s one major reason why the game needs to deliver something soon: Ken Levine’s Judas.

While BioShock 4 hasn’t seen the light of day, Judas is having its moment in the sun. Viewed by many as a sort of spiritual successor to BioShock, Judas is taking many of the former’s conventions, such as light immersive sim elements and shooter-magic-hybrid gameplay, and placing them in a dystopian sci-fi setting that feels unmistakably BioShock. Of course, the game is also being spearheaded by Ken Levine, the former creative lead for BioShock, who many consider the visionary force responsible for the franchise’s success.

With Judas Raking In Positive Press, BioShock 4 Needs to Show Up

Judas Is Looking Promising

Judas might as well be BioShock 4. This is a sentiment echoed by many in the games industry right now, as the parallels between Levine’s upcoming game and the iconic, classic franchise are undeniable. At the same time, Judas is doing a lot of new stuff with the BioShock formula, adopting a radically different setting and roguelike format, both of which have the potential to contribute to an experience that is similar to BioShock, but still refreshing and innovative.

Crickets Are Chirping for BioShock 4

Rumors about BioShock 4 abound, but there hasn’t been so much as a reveal trailer for the game, and key details like setting (which is immeasurably important for a BioShock game) remain a mystery. Comparisons between Judas and BioShock 4 will inevitably continue regardless of how different they are from one another, so if Judas lives up to the hype and rakes in both critical and commercial success, then it would certainly steal a bit of BioShock 4‘s thunder.

How BioShock Can Combat Unfavorable Judas Comparisons

Judas is a new player in the games industry: it’s the first title from Ghost Story Games and not part of any existing franchise. Ideally, BioShock 4 would have got out in front of Judas, establishing the authority of its brand and reminding audiences that it’s the ‘true’ BioShock experience, so to speak. That ship has sailed, obviously, and now BioShock runs the risk of playing second fiddle to Judas‘ fresh gameplay reveal.

But this might not be all bad. After all, Judas might be getting compared to BioShock, but it’s a different type of game in many ways as well, and the changes it makes to the BioShock formula won’t be for everyone. The roguelike approach that Judas is adopting, for instance, might not resonate with players looking for the raw, linear adventure that typifies previous BioShock games. A BioShock 4 reveal could cater to that audience, showing how it’s either sticking to the series’ roots or building upon them in a more direct way.

BioShock 4 might be able to better fill the void left in BioShock Infinite‘s wake, but Cloud Chamber and 2K may want to pick up the pace a bit. It’s looking more and more likely that Judas will launch before BioShock 4, with Ghost Story Games aiming to release the game before March 2025. If Judas drops before BioShock 4 even gets a full gameplay reveal, the latter could be fighting an uphill battle, at least where marketing and brand prominence are concerned.