Irrational Games has posted a very interesting document for fans of the game design process: the original Bioshock pitch.
Contained within its pages are the genesis of the Bioshock plot, along with a number of features which sadly didn’t make it to release. The majority of the ‘mod the world’ section, which suggests players will have the ability to raise or lower oxygen levels, affect gravity and magnetise surfaces, apparently had to be cut.
There are also a few rather cheeky exaggerations (presumably included to secure the project), such as giving Ken Levine sole credit for Thief: The Dark Project’s narrative.It’s a fascinating read, and Irrational is promising even more early Bioshock details are to come. “You will be made privy to our very first design concepts and original drafts of back-story. You will read about game modes and features that fell by the wayside during the many years of production.” the post confirms.
