Summary
- BioShock and Fallout were once the top gaming franchises, offering unique experiences and emotional storytelling.
- Both franchises are branching out into other forms of media, indicating their popularity and potential for wider audiences.
- BioShock 4 and Fallout 5 are highly anticipated but face challenges, with the latter unconfirmed yet seemingly inevitable.
The last ten years have provided gamers with a plethora of exceptional experiences. Baldur's Gate 3 reimagined what an RPG could be last year, indie darlings like Undertale or Return of the Obra Dinn offer something truly unique, and there has been something to love for everyone through the previous and current console generations. Before that, though, games like BioShock and Fallout 3 were the must-play titles.
Each has become known to most with a smattering of sequels and DLC add-ons that make them worth returning to, be it on their native systems, or remasters that have come after. BioShock and Fallout have been usurped over the last decade, however, and now each is in a similar position as 2024 promises even more fresh and exciting games.
What to Expect From BioShock 4 in 2024
A fourth BioShock title has long been in the works, and many fans are eagerly awaiting any news about it in the coming year.
BioShock and Fallout were at the Top of the Pile in Years Gone By
Before The Witcher 3 revolutionized the open-world, western RPG format and Resident Evil snatched back its survival horror crown with the seventh entry, Fallout and BioShock were ruling the gaming roost and giving players truly unique experiences. Those days are long gone, paving the way for new experiences beyond iconic franchises that have long-excelled.
Yet, at the height of their popularity, each was an essential date in the gaming calendar. Fallout 3, New Vegas, and Fallout 4 were huge, nonlinear role-playing games that could last an entire year with new curiosities found around every corner, whereas BioShock and its sequels are masterful examples of how atmosphere, environmental storytelling, and an effective setting can conjure all manner of emotions from players.
Fallout and BioShock are More than Just Games
Though Fallout is further along than the Irrational-developed titles, both are set to branch out into different forms of media, with a Fallout TV series on Amazon Prime and a BioShock film in the works at Netflix. Each is in a great position for those respective forms of entertainment as both have strengths in tone, world-building, and presentation.
To see the pair of gaming franchises that took off in popularity during the Xbox 360 and PS3 generation receive adaptations from big-budget outlets (not to mention the Borderlands film by Eli Roth which has a release window of 2024) is a telling sign not just of their quality, but their popularity among wider audiences. While they could end up being a fleeting, flash-in-the-pan idea that won't warrant much more, they could also be the adaptation kickstart that is needed to catapult the franchises back into the gaming mainstream.
Fallout and BioShock are In Need of a Spark
Bethesda has its hands full with Starfield, and likely will for the foreseeable future, whereas BioShock 4 has been confirmed, but little more is known about the project. In the face of the likes of Judas and Clockwork Revolution, which give off similar vibes to the latter, it's concerning for BioShock fans who have waited for a new entry since the fantastic Burial At Sea concluded with its second episode.
Fallout 5 is yet to be officially revealed, but even with confirmation, it's likely years away as Starfield DLC and The Elder Scrolls 6 will come first.
Fallout 76 was the last players saw of that series and was a few steps behind what was expected. BioShock 4's reported development hell isn't doing its reputation any favors, so each is managing to stay on the minds of gamers largely due to their previous successes. This can't continue forever, so perhaps the TV series and film can be the push they need because both seem to be in the same lull that has to be escaped if they are to restore their lofty images.
