Bioshock dev confirms: no PS3 version

by Andrew Yoon { Aug 24th 2007 at 5:00PM }

In a recent phone call with Joystiq, Ken Levine, lead designer of Bioshock, confirmed that there is no PS3 version of Bioshock in the works: "I promise you, there is no secret plan about the PS3 that we're keeping from people. There's no PS3 development going on that we're hiding." Levine explains the mysterious reference to PS3 hidden in the game code, noting: "There's lots of stuff that gets into game code, plans change over time and we got an exclusive deal with Microsoft ... that's not a Rosetta Stone discovery."

It appears that although a PS3 version was considered at one point, Microsoft secured the game as a Xbox 360 and Games for Windows exclusive, most likely through the mesmerizing powers of cold, hard cash. A fantastic decision on Microsoft's part -- it currently has a Metascore of 97, making it an easy contender for Game of the Year accolades.

Tags: bioshock

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

gamingeek @ Aug 24th 2007 5:14PM

It is called exclusivity-- and it is something that the PS3 has lost out on by being so late in the "next gen" market. Microsoft has both the install base and spread a lot of dough around to the developers. It has had the effect of making the 360 THE development platform of the 7th gen of video games.

Jason @ Aug 24th 2007 5:22PM

Microsoft has said themselves that they pay for exclusive titles. Its very likely the case is the same here. Anyway this is PS3fanboy, what do you expect?

sicklesdawg @ Aug 24th 2007 5:28PM

Just how many shooters can I own??

Ste @ Aug 24th 2007 5:30PM

@3

They said "most likely". They didn't state it as a fact. It also wasn't an "impossible" rumour - why would Bioshock on PS3 have been impossible? Extremely unlikely to happen, but not impossible.

Perhaps you should consider that Microsoft have paid for exclusives multiple times in the past? The most famous being the $50 million for exclusive DLC with GTA IV. It's common business practice for Sony, Nintendo and Microsoft to pay for games to be exclusives. So Andrew saying "most likely" isn't exactly unfair nor bashing the competition.

x silence x @ Aug 24th 2007 5:40PM

On the surface this appears as a FPS. My guess none of you have even played Bioshock. This game plays very similar to an RPG. And I know how much you PS3 guys love RPGs. Honestly, don't bash this game cause it's only on the 360. It's still a AWESOME game.

Andrew Yoon @ Aug 24th 2007 5:42PM

Read his comment, guys. It's clear that a multiplatform approach was considered, but a deal was made. Like I said, it was a great decision on Microsoft's part--Bioshock is a fantastic game that deserves all the praise it's been getting.

SuicideNinja @ Aug 24th 2007 5:42PM

Jason, Bioshock isn't really an FPS game. Sure, there are guns, but they more or less supplement the plasmid powers. Condemned and the Darkness are similar with the idea that "the guns take a backseat".

Resistance is your straight up typical FPS, just like Halo where guns are almost everything. Bioshock is nothing like those. Even my FPS-inept room mate can play Bioshock, and he loves it. That says a lot.

I'd hate to see how they'd force motion-controls in this game if it went PS3...maybe for the hacking mini-game? Ick. It's kind of sad though...like Ninja Gaiden, this is one of those games everyone should get to play.

Next year, the PS3 should have plenty of solid exclusives. Unfortunately, it looks like this year is bunk for the most part.

optimusprime @ Aug 24th 2007 5:49PM

@dukeatreides4ever

Oh give me a break. No money was exchanged???? Ken Levine says: "we got an exclusive deal with Microsoft ... that's not a Rosetta Stone discovery". What kind of deal do you think they got? a picture of the missing J Allard in spandex? Of course it is money. And the game was announced for both platforms back before Microsoft announced it to be exclusive.

sicklesdawg @ Aug 24th 2007 5:56PM

I like Bioshock my friend owns it! It does have the Rpg feel and with its story/setting makes it awesome. But just how many FPS! will I Put money down for with

-WarHawk
-COD4
-StrangleHold

Is all the Fps/3ps I need...Coming Soon

I'm I own Rfom, Vegas, NG, MotorStorm! I'm waiting for Folklore and HS maybe Lair...

secret @ Aug 24th 2007 6:03PM

First, Sony and Microsoft denies any price cuts - then we get a price cut

First, Microsoft denies HDMI output experiments - then they release HDMI outputs

First, Sony denies DVR functionalily - then they're now offereing DVR

If Sony really wanted this game, it will come to the PS3 one way or another -- perhaps as a remake or Bioshock 1.1 if necessary. But it's already available on your PC. In any case, I don't want it. I'm eager only for MGS4, nothing else. I skipped the PS1 and the PS2 era, so I've never played any MGS games, so if anyone has an extensive and "accurate" knowledge about the storyline so far up to this point, I'd appreciate it if you can explain it to me so that I can be all caught up.

Supino @ Aug 24th 2007 6:06PM

- hey look it's a shot! I'll just stab that in my arm without haveing no idea what it is.

that part of the demo freaked me out - I find it strange no one talks about it? It should be a dilemma for him to use it.

secret @ Aug 24th 2007 6:06PM

That's one thing great about the PS3. Although I skipped the PS2 and PS1 era, I now have a full library open to me at prices ranging from only $5 to $19. Always wanted Metal Slug Antholog, remembering how I always wanted a Neo Geo and amlost bought it at one time. I think the console was about $800-$1000 and one cartridge was about $150-$300. I had the dough, walked up to the pick one up, and then said - Nah...I'll pass.

gamingeek @ Aug 24th 2007 6:17PM

@10 Dude there is no way to summarize in the enormously complex and varied story of the MGS franchise in this little blog space. They are special games quite unlike anything else out there on the market. Trust me when I say that you really must experience the MGS games for yourself starting w/ the original MGS for PS1! Otherwise you will be completely lost on MGS4.

sicklesdawg @ Aug 24th 2007 6:19PM

"hey look it's a shot! I'll just stab that in my arm without haveing no idea what it is".

A WTF moment for me. yeah that alone gets a 9.5/10 LOL.

sicklesdawg @ Aug 24th 2007 6:21PM

@10
Search GameFaqs, I will when I buy The Game since its too long to remember.

Mentality @ Aug 24th 2007 6:25PM

To be quite honest my next door neighbour has this and we really aint missing out on anything, he completed it the same day he got it, its ridiculously easy and the graphics personally speaking aint all that great.

All personal opinion but make your own assumption, any game that be completed so easily is never gonna be that good.

Titty Pink @ Aug 24th 2007 6:40PM

Secret you need to play the MGS series dude, but you need rumble to get the full experience. Befor eyou guys dive on me, allow me to say that when I first saw Psycho Mantis do the mind bit (when he tells you to put the controller on the ground) that shit was revolutionary. They are roughly 8-9 hour campaigns, but once you get the hang of the controls, you WILL NOT PUT THE CONTROLLER DOWN! As far as Bioshock, I downloaded it yesterday and it's meh to me. Playing it after hours of R6 Vegas (which although isn't as shiny as the 360 version, is SICK!) is a tough transition. The graphics are standard 360 shiny and cartoony. The water looks cool. Am I pissed that its a 360 exclusive? Not really. Must buy? Maybe not, but I'm still up in the air on Heavenly Sword as well. Gotta have Warhawk though. Love me some free multiplayer madness!

WTangoFoxtrot @ Aug 24th 2007 7:09PM

the graphics aint that good ?? dude are you playing it on a 60's magnavox or what ? the raphics throughout the game are amazing, bright, vibrant and the art style is something ove never seen in a game before........thing Gotham city under water.

Popfrogs @ Aug 24th 2007 7:19PM

#18: Why are you even posting here? Nobody cares.

x silence x @ Aug 24th 2007 7:21PM

@ElwoodJD

Amen!

optimusprime @ Aug 24th 2007 7:26PM

@ElwoodJD
You are ignorant if you say the PS3 doesn't have quality games coming out for it. And yes the 360 has good games, but at what price? The only reason you are seeing all these great third party games, is because MS is buying the game industry, proving again what a monopolistic mega corp they have become. Unlike you, I will not bend over so that Microsoft can monopolize yet another market. I will play Bioshock because I loved Irrational Games way before you probably heard about them, having played System Shock 2, Freedom Force, Freedom Force vs the Third Reich, and Swat 4. I will get it though for the PC where Microsoft won't get one cent of royalty from me.

LAboy @ Aug 24th 2007 7:31PM

Bioshock is an absolutely amazing game that deserves all and every
single praise that its been getting. Sorry PS3 users for not getting
a change to enjoy this masterpiece. I guess you made a wrong
decision.

mccomber @ Aug 24th 2007 7:33PM

I'm not going to get into the "ps3 has no games" debate, because that meme is about to be retired.
I will say that Bioshock is absolutely brilliant, and a game that everyone who claims to enjoy games should make it a point to play. I don't know if it's going to have the mass-appeal necessary to move systems, but it's certainly a title worthy of the attention it's received amongst gamers.

James @ Aug 24th 2007 8:39PM

Wow the whole "PS3 Has No Games" dilema is also extremely pissing me off. You guyz realize this year alone the PS3 has more exclusive titles coming for the system then the XBOX 360 and all of them look to be promising and amazing games. The 360 has only a very small set of exclusives coming out for the system so all in all losing bioshock isnt all that serious to me and even then he said "Not In Production" he never once shot down the idea that there may be a PS3 version later.

muppetmeth @ Aug 24th 2007 8:38PM

Shit. Well, I'm just a RAM upgrade away from the PC version anyway.

James @ Aug 24th 2007 8:45PM

Sorry it was "No PS3 version of Bioshock in the works" but all in all it still meens that he didnt shoot the possibility of Bioshock for the PS3 in the future and sence the PS3 is getting bigger and bigger and sence there is a possibity of a $400 sku in the future the PS3's sales will only increase and money talks, no wait money screams in your ear till it bleeds and makes you make a PS3 version of Bioshock in late 08 :D

Strike Man @ Aug 24th 2007 9:13PM

"I will get it though for the PC where Microsoft won't get one cent of royalty from me."

I am unaware of a Linux or Mac version of Bioshock. Would you be kind enough to point me in that direction?

railven @ Aug 24th 2007 9:24PM

I've been playing FPS since Wolfenstein, whoever says Bioshock is NOT any FPS deserves a kick in the face.

Bioshock is nothing but an FPS. It isn't an average FPS, it isn't a strictly run'n'gun FPS, and it isn't a frag gest FPS, but it is still an FPS!

The story elements add depth to this FPS. The varied gameplay adds tactic and strategy to this FPS.

But it is still an FPS.

It is no RPG. It is no action hack'n'slash, its an FPS.

Jesus.

Titty Pink @ Aug 24th 2007 9:56PM

No games list...lets see,

Motorstorm: SWEET ass title. Xbots were really afraid of this one. The first PS3 game I saw and I was sold on getting one no matter the cost. If you don't like Motorstorm, its because you don't like racing games of that type, NOT because its a bad game. It could use a few more tracks and diversity within vehicle types (every rally car should have diffrent characteristics), but overall a hell of a game.

Ninja Gaiden Sigma: Hard as hell, but even if you played the Xbox version, this is STILL a sweet ass title. No one can argue that this installment of Ninja Gaiden is one of the best titles of its type ever.

Resistance: FPS is FPS, but Resistance is a kick ass title as well. I'd never played a FPS game on a PS console and I feared the controller would fail miserably. I still prefer the 360 controller, but the game itself is off the hook. Cool weapons, engaging story, detailed environments, and 12 hours of gamplay, WITH online multiplayer. There's always room to improve, but this was the sweetest launch title since Super Mario World.

Rainbow 6 Vegas: If you like FPS and don't own R6, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?! The minor diffrences from the 360 version take nothing away from this title (except maybe the shitty lobby system). Otherwise, this IS a must have title.

MLB the show: Easily the best MLB game ever. Crisp graphics, solid pitching and hitting systems. If you like baseball, you're not taking a loss getting this one.

Oblivion: BETTER than the 360 version according to those "critics" that we all love. Enough said there...

NBA 2K7: 2K games are always sick. After I shook the urge to use the crossover stick like NBA Live, I was hooked. Solid NBA title. No complaints here.

Now these are just the games that I like, have played or own, and you can buy TODAY. The system isn't even a year old, and I haven't even mentioned Q3 and Q4 releases, or games that I haven't played. I think the "no games" arguement comes from haters who can't afford games, or don't own a PS3 and don't have access to the games to play them. Give it a rest fellas. The PS3 is cold and you know it. I DO wish I could have seen Elwoods comments though. Maybe post them on 360 fanboy so I can go over and see what you're thinking. And don't worry about your post being deleted. The 360 fanboy guys delete mine all the time...PS, my 3rd 360 ATE my buddy's copy of Madden 08. It's a shitty game anyway...but the system that ate it...

John @ Aug 24th 2007 10:53PM

Bah ill just play it for my 360 then. Being a fanboy of all consoles>being a fanboy for one.

ShadowGod @ Aug 24th 2007 11:10PM

Microsoft has more money than God, therefore they win.

FM @ Aug 25th 2007 12:38AM

I must admit Bioshock is a breath of fresh air for the 360. And then comes the overhyped and possibly overrated Halo 3.

sicklesdawg @ Aug 25th 2007 2:13AM

I agree! Half-Life >halo

secret @ Aug 25th 2007 4:20AM

What's important is whether I like Bioshock or not. Right now, I'd say that I'm not interested in it as I'm not interested in Gears of War. I think that Hillary Clinton would like Gears of War less than a criminal prison inmate playing it. Don't just Hillary because she doesn't like Gears. I'm sure she has other tastes.

And I do think that it will find it's way to the PS3 if Sony is adamant on having it, not that I care - since I already own a PC and couldn't care more for th game. I'm only waiting for MGS4, Ratchet and Clank, and COD4. Nothing else really matters.

Seriously, if I wanted the 360, I'd buy it. I have two PS3's already and think that it's silly to buy a 360. Amost all 360 people will end up buying a bluray player at some point. That's just foolish, especially when the PS3 plays almost all 360 games in the first place and does everything else the 360 can't. Look at Grand Turismo 5, and you'll see that 360 is outdated already while the PS3's just starting. I know that the Zelda game got perfect scores on the Wii, but how can it be a wrong decision not to buy the Wii or the 360 if I consider that they don't provide the features and power I need for the value.

Look, if they sold all three consoles at the same price - whether $250 or $6000, I'd still get the PS3 because almost all 360 owners or Wii owners will either get a PS3 later at some point or a separate machine that does what the PS3 can do because both the 360 and the Wii lacks what the PS3 does well and what most people will eventually want like Hi-def movies. And I haven't seen a damn game on the 360 that impresses me graphically like MGS4 or Grand Turismo 5, and this is just the beginning. The 360 has had 3 and 1/2 years to prove itseslf already, and so far, nothing looks good. I don't trust reviewers anymore beacuse they all tell me to buy a Wii or 360. But I know what I want. No matter how much my friends tell me that some girl is hot or not, I know what I want.

Put all three consoles at the same price, and we'll see which system sells the most. Put all three consoles at the same price, and we'll see which console is truly the best.

And my last word again is that - If Hillary Clinton has different tastes and chooses not to buy Gears of War but a prison inmate loves that crack cocain death metal crap, don't think that Hillary made the wrong decision to not buy the 360 and that you are smarter than she is. She just prefers different things. Some people like to smoke dope. Others choose not to and decide to read books. Some peole like to gaming, others look down on video gamers. Choices. 360 people, I hope you know the stereotypes gamers undergo.

Aysir @ Aug 25th 2007 4:24AM

"Next year, the PS3 should have plenty of solid exclusives. Unfortunately, it looks like this year is bunk for the most part."
Are you just totally ignoring Haze, Unreal and Warhawk? Those aren't small fry and they're all exclusives this year.

secret @ Aug 25th 2007 4:26AM

That's another reason why I bought the PS3. I love MGS4 based on the trailers, and with the PS3, I can buy every single MGS title on the PS2 and PS1. It's like getting four consoles in one - the PS3, the PS2, the PS1, and the XBOX360 since it has most of the games I'd want on the 360 such as Marvel, GRAW2, COD4, NGS, and Fight Night 3. I don't want to waste money on games, so I select very carefully what I buy.

secret @ Aug 25th 2007 4:40AM

Next year? My goodness, this year has a bunch of good games already that I'm still savoring and enjoying as we speak - Ninja Gaiden Sigma, Virtua Fighter 5, Fight Night 3, Motorstorm, GRAW2, Marvel Ultimate Alliance, Call of Duty 3, and Resistance Fall of Man are now in my library, and I love all of them very much, thank you. NBA Stree Homecourt sounds good too. This is enough, and they're going to through in Ratchet and Clank, MGS4, and COD4 soon. That's bliss. I'm sooo enjoying my PS3. Bliss. If I'm missing out from not owning a 360, I'm sure oblivious of it. I'm sure not feeling an ounce of jealousy, so please slap me and wake me up someone beacuse I don't feel anything but sorry for 360 owners.

Halo, Gears, Bioshock...um, aren't they all "shooter"? Uhm..., so now what after shooters? Do you read books? Read a math book? Why don't I buy a 360 then? Most PS3 owners don't end up shopping for an HD-DVD player, a 360, or a Wii. Almost all Wii owners and 360 owners will at some point own a PS3, a bluray player, and for 360 people "exclusively" they'll end up buying and HD-DVD player too. Fool consumer, I'd say. CONSUMER, nontheless...!!! Like sheep or couped chicken or herded cow slaughtered for food. Raised and herded for feed. Brag? Brag that by the end of this console generation, you will have spend the most money on consumer items of lower quality? Brag when you add up all the electronics and fees the 360 has costed you when you coupled up the additional purcahses that you had to buy because the 360 lacked the features the PS3 has. And we'll see how smar tyou really are.

I could care less about the amount of games coming out on any system. Look at the Wii. Can you say the Wii has a better selection of games than the 360 or the PS3? Even if a console has 1000 of triple AAA games, that won't mean that I'll rush out and buy every single one. What matters is that it has the games I want, no matter what the magazines rate them at.

I mean you that the 360 has such a wide selection of games and that's why you bought it. But seriously, if it has so a million of good games out there after three years, how many do you own? If the game selection is sooooo good, how many game do you own out of the million of games out there? And why are you in our forum? What's wrong with your forum? We don't want you here. Do the xbox people don't want you either?

secret @ Aug 25th 2007 4:43AM

because your social attitude doesn't want to make me side with xbox360. It confirms that I made the right choice by buyign the PS3. In fact, the more the 360 people talk, the more I learn about them, the more I know i don't want to buy the 360. The more it confirms that the PS3 is the right choice.

There's nothing proud to brag about paying your way to the finish line. It's not what the race was set up to determine.

secret @ Aug 25th 2007 4:49AM

I think I might have been a little cruel and incoherent...just ignore what I wrote earlier about the 360 people and stuff...There are some good people and I don't want to offend anyone, even though time and time again, I get carried away. I feel guilty.

John @ Aug 25th 2007 5:19AM

Yeah id say you got carried away. The truth of the matter is ALL of them are good console Fanboyisiom is neat but when you get as carried away as to let your judgment be influenced is when you've crossed the line. I am a fanboy of all console yes thats right its possible. Some people are unable to buy more then one (i being different and being a hard working person was able to buy all of them...Jobs and school FTW) In which if you are able to buy only one you simply think with a cool head which one you think you should get. (i first chose the 360 due to it already being out for a bit etc then the wii due to cheapness then the shiny PS3 which has still to relly debut) Any way you think with a cool head which one is more important to you. This i can stand HOWEVER i cant stand it when people do something as stupid as to buy more then one (as the as lady/gentleman secret did) Unless you have siblings etc (which he led me to believe other wise.) there is no reason to do it with that money you could have bought both the wii and the 360. Then you would not have to be worried about topics about exclusives etc you see where im going with this?

When it comes down to it ALL of them are great....Simple.

Popfrogs @ Aug 25th 2007 10:19AM

Well, the ones that don't have a 33% failure rate are great. ;)

And about my comment way earlier where I was asking why Elwood even posts here, I referenced his post number and it has since been deleted. So, it looks like I'm jacking with an innocent poster...but I'm not that kind of guy.