inglorious

Merging story and the multiplayer gameplay has long been a struggle for developers, especially with shooters. Quite often they get stuck between the typical player-versus-player experience or a basic co-op game. Where one allows for a story to be told, the PvP experience lacks depth, purpose, story and meaning.

As this article on Kotaku explains, it seems 2K is changing things up a bit with their recent announcement of the multiplayer experience in BioShock 2:

2K Games has tapped Unreal contributor Digital Extremes to create a multiplayer mode for BioShock 2 that is every bit as rich and detailed as the single player. Players take on the role of a plasmid test subject for Sinclair Solutions during the fall of Rapture, allowing them to experience yet another aspect of the underwater empire’s history as they progress through the multiplayer experience.

Weaving a reason behind the combat is a good step, and it adds another layer to the rich back-story that is the BioShock universe. Giving the player a mission, a why gives purpose to the gameplay. Now there is risk involved (abiet minor) you feel as if your actions have consequences outside of the multiplayer match. It’s something in which to invest some emotional stake, which all good narratives need.

I am looking forward to see how this will fully pan out. If it lives up to what its promising or if it’ll end up being another shooter with a neat multiplayer setting and good gameplay mechanics but no real depth (looking at you Call of Duty.)