BioShock 4 Reportedly Shown in Early-Build Screenshot Showing UI and Ricochet Shotgun

BioShock 4 has reportedly been shown via a screenshot of an early demo build featured in a 2021 showcase reel.

Outlet MP1st posted the in-development BioShock 4 screenshot and wrote that the screenshot in question comes from a Visual Effects Artist at 2K. “For the sake of privacy (and we don’t want the person getting fired), we are refraining from naming or linking their online profile”, the outlet writes.

Apparently, the screenshot showing the “Parkside” codename comes from an early demo build of the next BioShock. Interestingly enough, back in 2021, this codename was already mentioned by journalist Colin Moriarty during a Sacred Symbols video back then. This video was picked up VGC. According to Moriarty, BioShock 4 will be set in the 1960s era of the original BioShock games and will take place in a new Antarctic city called Borealis. “It takes place in a 1960s Antarctic city called Borealis,” Moriarty said in 2021. “[The game is] codenamed ‘Parkside’… I’ve been told that the development team has incredible latitude to get it right. That seems and sounds right to me.”

As for the screenshot that was supposedly leaked, it again has to be said that the shot is said to be from an early build, and the quality is pretty low. Still, we can discern the Ricochet Shotgun as well as two other weapons in the interface. Looking at the UI, the number of weapons that can be carried is limited, and both Vigor and Plasmid meters appear absent in this shot.

The screenshot also shows a large glowing structure with a ball-shaped object on top. This structure might be related to the franchise’s Lighthouse, but this is speculation at this point. We’re pretty sure that there’s more to be seen in the screenshot if you look closely enough, and we’re interested in what others can discern. Hit the comments below.

The next BioShock is currently in development at Cloud Chamber. As covered earlier this month, the studio recently appeared to have greatly increased recruitment with 30 new job offerings at the studio.