BioShock
A critically acclaimed first-person shooter series set in dystopian underwater and floating cities, exploring themes of objectivism, free will, and the consequences of unchecked scientific progress.
Category
Game
Release Year
2007
Origin
USA
Tags
first-person shooterdystopianscience fictionhorrorphilosophicalimmersive sim
Detailed Overview Information
Basic Information
Full Name
BioShock
Aliases
Not specified
Type
video game
Release Year
2007
Status
ongoing
Origin
United States
Region
Not specified
Creation Information
Creator
Ken Levine, 2K Boston
Publisher
2K Games
Original Work
video game
Genre
first-person shooter, immersive sim, horror
Content Information
Synopsis
BioShock is a groundbreaking first-person shooter series that combines intense action with deep philosophical themes. Set in the failed utopian cities of Rapture and Columbia, players explore the consequences of extreme ideologies while wielding genetic modifications and supernatural abilities.
Main Characters
Not specified
Setting
The series takes place in two main locations: Rapture, an underwater Art Deco city built in the 1940s as an objectivist paradise, and Columbia, a floating city representing American exceptionalism in the early 1900s.
Themes
objectivism vs collectivism, free will vs determinism, scientific ethics, utopia and dystopia, American exceptionalism
Target Audience
mature gamers (17+)
Media Forms
Original Medium
video game
Adaptations
type:video game series
title:BioShock
year:2007
status:completed
description:Original game set in the underwater city of Rapture
type:video game sequel
title:BioShock 2
year:2010
status:completed
description:Return to Rapture from the perspective of a Big Daddy
type:video game sequel
title:BioShock Infinite
year:2013
status:completed
description:New setting in the floating city of Columbia
type:remaster collection
title:BioShock: The Collection
year:2016
status:completed
description:Remastered versions of all three games
type:novels
title:BioShock: Rapture
year:2011
status:completed
description:Prequel novel exploring Rapture's creation and fall
Cross Media Presence
video games, novels, comics, art books, soundtracks
Commercial Information
Publisher
2K Games
Distributor
Take-Two Interactive
Licensing Info
Owned by 2K Games, licensed for various platforms and regions
Merchandising
Extensive line including collectibles, art books, soundtracks, figurines, and replica items
Box Office
BioShock series has sold over 39 million copies worldwide
Budget
High production values with significant investment in narrative design and environmental detail
Fan Culture
Fandom Size
Large dedicated fanbase of gamers and philosophy enthusiasts
Demographics
Primarily mature gamers who appreciate narrative depth and philosophical themes
Fan Activities
philosophical discussions, fan theories, cosplay, fan art, speedrunning
Community Hubs
Reddit communities, gaming forums, Steam discussions, YouTube analysis channels
Fan Creations
fan art, cosplay, philosophical essays, game mods, theory videos
Cultural Impact
Elevated video games as an artistic medium; influenced game design philosophy and narrative techniques
Historical Development
Creation Background
Developed during the rise of narrative-focused games, designed to prove games could tackle serious philosophical themes
Development Process
Ken Levine spent years developing the philosophical framework before creating gameplay mechanics, focusing on environmental storytelling
Key Milestones
year:2007
event:BioShock released to critical acclaim
year:2008
event:Wins multiple Game of the Year awards
year:2010
event:BioShock 2 explores Rapture from new perspective
year:2013
event:BioShock Infinite introduces Columbia and multiverse themes
year:2019
event:BioShock 4 announced in development
Evolution Over Time
Evolved from System Shock spiritual successor to genre-defining narrative experience
Legacy
Established template for philosophical gaming narratives and environmental storytelling
Related Links
bioshockgame.com
store.2k.com
www.enjoyip.com