Was "Bioshock Infinite" the best name they could come up with?

When it was announced that Irrational's new game is named Bioshock Infinite, I checked the calendar just to make sure it wasn't April 1st. And to be honest, I still don't quite believe they are REALLY naming it that. Is that really the best they can do?

I guess I just find it inconceivable that Ken Levine would hand the Bioshock reins to his old 2K Boston studio just to turn around and create yet another Bioshock title. It seems a little inconceivable to me. But then I finally realized that this is nothing but a marketing move.

I don't believe that Irrational actually made this decision. They were probably going to go with something more along the lines of Columbiashock and then someone from the publisher came along and said, "No, no way -- Bioshock, because Bioshock sells." And since they own Ken's ass, that became the name.

I guess I can understand since new IPs are a hard sell. It's easier to make another Halo, another Xcom, or another Bioshcok. But that doesn't mean I have to be happy about it.

But at least it doesn't take place underwater. That is indeed a good thing.

Tags: BioShock, Ken Levine, Take Two Interactive, irrational games, BioShock Infinite

Problem? Report this post

Bryan Glynn

August 12, 2010

Yes, the name is kind of dumb, and I wish "BioShock" wasn't in it, but Suriel Vazquex made a good point on Twitter. Everyone would have just said "It's BioShock in the sky" if it wouldn't have already been in the title. In any case, the trailer was really cool, and like the new setting. 2012 though? Talk about a tease.

Report | Reply

Riley Mason

I honestly don't think the title could be any better given the circumstances. I for one don't want Irrational to put out another amazing game and lose out on all the crossover sales from people who love Bioshock just because of a stupid title. I also think "Infinite" is a very appropriate subtitle and I have a feeling there's a lot more to it than the open air nature of the environment. Officially could not be more excited for this game. Love the visual style and love that there's a strong female sidekick/ companion. It would be pretty cool if you were more of a weakling and depended on her for protection. Maybe not as interesting gameplay-wise, but certainly from a story-telling perspective.

Gary Lucero

I personally loved the original game but the sequel just didn't work for me. I could be excited at a new game in a new universe but I am not willing to do the same sorts of things even if it's in a new setting. I just don't care about Bioshock, and so for me at least the name kills all interest. But I guess it's true that its sales potential is expotentially increased just by being a Bioshock title.

Jason Wilson

Infinite could be a placeholder for now....

August 13, 2010

I never even played Bioshock 2 and have no intention to. They've already said the gameplay will be quite a bit different.

Sam Dominguez

I wouldn't be surprised if the name changed before release. Remember that Bio2 was called Sea of Dreams when it was announced and then got slapped with the decidedly uncreative 2.

Randy Snow

More like Aeroshock. But really from what I read in a preview its sort of the Final Fantasy route they seem to be going with.

August 21, 2010

The trailer does absolutely nothing for me and making it a Bioshock is more a turn off than anything else. Ken Levine is loved and respected so it should do well, but I think the name sucks some of the magic out of it.