PS3 BioShock trace uncovered in PC demo?

  • By thorsen-ink, GameSpot
  • Posted Aug 22, 2007 12:27 pm AEST

Source: A config file inside the PC BioShock demo. What we heard: Though BioShock is currently only available for the Xbox 360 and PC, many Sony fans fervently believe it will eventually arrive on the PlayStation 3. The articles of their faith? First, the fact that Irrational Games originally...

Source: A config file inside the PC BioShock demo.

What we heard: Though BioShock is currently only available for the Xbox 360 and PC, many Sony fans fervently believe it will eventually arrive on the PlayStation 3. The articles of their faith? First, the fact that Irrational Games originally announced BioShock as coming to "PCs and next-generation consoles." There's also the example set by publisher 2K Games when it promoted the popular role-playing game Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion as being PC/360 only...until it announced the RPG was PS3-bound too.

This week, a new indicator of a possible PS3 version of BioShock surfaced. Among the myriad files accompanying the just-released PC demo of the game is a configuration document (Program Files/2k Game/Bioshock demo/Content/config.ini) outlining the game-engine settings. A subheading of the document references specific console settings for "(XBox360 [and] PS3)."

The mere mention of the console has been taken by many to mean that, at the very least, a PS3 version of BioShock was considered at one point. It's a perfectly valid hypothesis. In 2005, several files referencing the "Xbox" were found inside the code for Sierra's then-PC-only shooter F.E.A.R. The following year, the game was ported to the Xbox 360. (It also arrived on the PS3 in 2007.) However, there's another completely reasonable explanation for the PS3 mention in the BioShock demo config file. The game uses the Unreal Engine 3, Epic Games' cross-platform game-development toolset, which is usedin making numerous games for the PC, 360, and PS3.

The official story: Reps for 2K Games had not returned requests for comment as of press time.

Bogus or not bogus?: Bogus that the mention of the PS3 in the BioShock PC demo code is hard evidence the game is headed to Sony's console. However, the fact BioShock is poised to be a hit after receiving one of the highest aggregate review scores in memory means that 2K would be foolish not to bring the game to the PS3...eventually.

278 Comments

  • Mirkophil

    Posted Sep 10, 2007 1:52 pm PT

    about as much chance coming to PS3 than MGS4 got going to 360... nobody knows...

  • jackanderson

    Posted Aug 31, 2007 11:46 am PT

    Oh yes! Coz I don't have a Vista or 360, this should be great!

  • gangsterjc

    Posted Aug 26, 2007 4:13 pm PT

    BIOSHOCK ON WII LOL! THATILL BE COOL

  • cesarblue

    Posted Aug 25, 2007 1:13 pm PT

    I guess if the ps3 fanboys beg long enough then we might give you a game you can play on your neo-geo but i say let them suffer, xbox is american made and now ps3 fanboys are starving for some games,, haha we laugh at yall beggin to be on the level of 360 like i said before the ps3=neo-geo just be glad you can experience oblivion we shouldn't have gave you that one(lol) let me get back to playing bioshock cause it's awsome on my 360 o tell your friend to trade in his neo-geo and join the american made 360 green machine come post on my new blog www.myspace.com/prophetschasinpaper

  • sectorzero

    Posted Aug 23, 2007 12:54 pm PT

    Don't think so. BioShock has the "Only" tag on it.

    Oblivion and F.E.A.R. didn't.

  • shasam712

    Posted Aug 23, 2007 12:58 am PT

    I wouldn't be supprised. 2K obviously started work on a PS3 version when it was slated for "next gen consoles", maybe they are still working on it.

    Still, it would more than likely be 6 months down the line, just to satisfy MS's exclusivity deal.

  • KillerJamJam

    Posted Aug 22, 2007 11:19 pm PT

    I thought they announced like a year ago that this game was going to be multi-platform? Oh well i'll guess i'll have to buy it if its that good.

  • club-sandwich

    Posted Aug 22, 2007 9:30 pm PT

    *sigh* some of you gusy just don't get it... -_- it ain't comming for ps3, read this articles:

    http://www.gamespot.com/news/6158827.html?tag=result;title;0

    and

    http://www.gamespot.com/pc/action/bioshock/news.html?sid=6158961&tag=result;title;0

    see? it's a Microsoft exclusive, it just won't happen, it won't get ported for ps3, so stop saying that BioShock will come to ps3 because it won't.

  • everythingj

    Posted Aug 22, 2007 8:07 pm PT

    this is not a big issue for microsoft and the 360.

    even if they do eventually get it ported to the ps3, it will undoubtedly run much poorer in comparison, which has been the status quo for all titles developed and released on the 360 and then ported to the ps3.

  • SamuriChamploo

    Posted Aug 22, 2007 7:16 pm PT

    That would be great if it went to the PS3. Yeah, that'd be awesome.

  • LeviHarris

    Posted Aug 22, 2007 4:49 pm PT

    I can't believe I took time out from playing to read this article. Excuse me. Best Game this year. Period...Thus far at least.

  • p1er

    Posted Aug 22, 2007 3:01 pm PT

    No way BioShock will go to the PS3, Microsoft will be too fast with their bribes, like allways!

    A hundred billion dollars, 2K (casually)...
    onehundred (faster, then short pause), BILLION dollars...
    That's what Bill Gates will say, or who ever decides these things.

    Seriously though, I don't think Microsoft will let this title go too easily. They will at least ask 2K Games what price will keep it Microsoft-exclusive.

  • LinconSixEcho

    Posted Aug 22, 2007 2:36 pm PT

    I really hope that PS3 owners get to experience this incredible game! I own a PS3 as well and would sorely feel left out if BioShock didn't arrive. I've lost track on how many times I have nearly lost my sanity with the scare tactics that are involved in it.
    I'm not talking about Resident Evil fright, I talking about Michael Meyers standing right behind you when you think you are alone.
    Bottom line is that this game should be enjoyed by all.

  • HighlyToxic

    Posted Aug 22, 2007 2:19 pm PT

    Video games are an art form, and thus should be enjoyed by everyone.

  • AH-64Undead

    Posted Aug 22, 2007 1:02 pm PT

    If it's comming for PS3, then someone gets their ass sued by Microsoft for not following the deal. I don't think they're going to risk that..

  • Nachoking2k2

    Posted Aug 22, 2007 12:49 pm PT

    They probably dumped it b/c the ps3 couldn't handle it.

  • Dark_Nexus3367

    Posted Aug 22, 2007 12:45 pm PT

    Once again,people do not seem to read the articles on this site anymore.Look it up under Bioshock and hit news and previews section.There is an article about MS snatching up exclusivity.Not only that,the Only for Xbox 360 and Windows logo is on the cover,which is only placed if Microsoft is absolutely sure that it will be a 360 exclusive.I am not trying to deny ps3 fans a great game,but like I stated earlier,it seems more likely that it will NOT go to ps3.Look at my first post in this thread people.Not only that,it has constantly been touted by Irrational as a 360 exclusive.Don't get your hopes up unless Irrational and 2k make an official announcement.This code is found in all unreal 3 engine games,as the engine is used for both ps3 and 360 games,so that could be a simple file that has nothing to do with ps3 development.Apart from that, why would you listen to this rumor considering gamespot posted an article months ago talking about how its NOT going to ps3?

  • club-sandwich

    Posted Aug 22, 2007 12:42 pm PT

    That won't ever happen lol
    http://www.gamespot.com/news/6158827.html?tag=result;title;0
    I'm sure it was an issue of Unreal Engine 3, so yeah, cows won't ever see BioShock for teh ps3 lol

  • ktseymour

    Posted Aug 22, 2007 12:26 pm PT

    Aaahhh, it's only a matter of time before it comes to the PS3. It's more than likely been in development for a while and will most likely come out this fall or early next year.

  • jayme22

    Posted Aug 22, 2007 12:15 pm PT

    most game engines are muliplatform these days just cuz there is reference to a PS3 in there doesnt mean they are using it lol dont get your hopes up guys you will just get hurt

  • dzms

    Posted Aug 22, 2007 12:13 pm PT

    I hope it will hit the PS3, that would be so cool.

  • thetealcaptain

    Posted Aug 22, 2007 12:07 pm PT

    LOL @ manny_style! The only thing porting it to ps3 would do is make them more money on a great game. And I don't say that as a bad thing. I believe some day all games will be available on all systems. Thus making the consoles having to stand on their own merits, instead of developers. That would be a great boon for all developers to have their games appear on all systems (if they so choose of course).

  • el_chupacabras

    Posted Aug 22, 2007 11:50 am PT

    Meh... it will probably only be in at 30 fps....

  • Moon_Child

    Posted Aug 22, 2007 11:44 am PT

    According to Gamepro.com, Bioshock will indeed go to the PS3. That's a good thing since more people will be able to enjoy it. I'm still getting it for the 360 though.

  • JCMatrix

    Posted Aug 22, 2007 11:38 am PT

    "port port port," says the elite

  • coolguitarist2

    Posted Aug 22, 2007 11:18 am PT

    So does this mean that although MSG4/FF13 are touted as PS3 exclusives, they may eventually make it to the X360? I know Capcom has already sided more w/the 360, but Konami is so far holding steady w/PS3-onlys. Perhaps they'll change their mind soon too.

  • lamprey263

    Posted Aug 22, 2007 11:09 am PT

    maybe 2K Games is waiting for more people to buy PS3s before they consider making BioShock for the PS3

  • Brain_Plug

    Posted Aug 22, 2007 11:08 am PT

    wow, this is just as stupid as the MGS4 going to 360 rumors.
    its not going to happen.

  • gamer_10001

    Posted Aug 22, 2007 11:07 am PT

    more people able to enjoy a great game... good news for everybody

  • zaphod_b

    Posted Aug 22, 2007 10:50 am PT

    Well, why not I guess. Most exclusives are merely "timed" exclusives nowadays except 1st and 2nd party titles. I can't imagine any game that has gained such popularity to remain exclusive forever. Still, I'm glad it came out on 360 first (just 'cause I have one). It's a great game.

  • unfungames

    Posted Aug 22, 2007 10:47 am PT

    It's not coming to the PS3. Remember, games like Oblivion were ported because 2K thought the PS3 was going to sell huge. Once it started bombing, games like Saints Row were cancelled for it. Bioshock was probably planned BEFORE the PS3 came out, but now that it's a failure they won't bother.

    Seriously, though...since the calender rolled over to 2007, how many Xbox 360 games from 2005-2006 have been announced for the PS3? None. They were all announced right when the PS3 came out. Developers learned their lesson. It wasn't profitable, so they've stopped doing it.

    Bioshock wont come out on the PS3. The end. The "only on Xbox 360 and Windows" logo proves that. If they were going to make a PS3 version they'd know by now and they wouldnt have put that on the box.

    Even *if* they made a PS3 version it would take them at least 6 months to get it looking and running good. That's how long it takes all the quality games. by then no one is going to care about the game.

  • JechtBlack

    Posted Aug 22, 2007 10:43 am PT

    Awesome, Just Awesome.

  • JechtBlack

    Posted Aug 22, 2007 10:42 am PT

    Awesome, while I am hotly anticipating Warhawk's release next week it's reassuring to know that we will hopefully get this game with:
    -better frames*
    -better resolution*
    -added content*

    Just like Oblivion.

  • kajtrooper

    Posted Aug 22, 2007 10:36 am PT

    hope it'll come, but bioshock uses the unreal 3 engine!?

  • ResidentGamer4

    Posted Aug 22, 2007 10:31 am PT

    Tsk Tsk Tsk....well, I don't have time to worry about the PS3 fans right now who are playing their new GRAW 2 that they got yesterday and I got in March for my 360. I have to get back to playing Bioshock on my 360.

  • death1505921

    Posted Aug 22, 2007 10:26 am PT

    I thought I saw an article a while back saying that Msoft threw quite a bit of cash 2k bostons way to ensure a 360 exclusive.

  • bluntiss

    Posted Aug 22, 2007 10:13 am PT

    I suppose we can spare them one of our amazing games to them.. lord knows, they need something to play...

  • okassar

    Posted Aug 22, 2007 9:50 am PT

    Yeah....eventually....just like Oblivion,got old then came on PS3 LOL.Hey guys,go to Halo 3.com,I just visited it and there are 5,killer,mysterious videos that are activated after pressing a certain light up button-sign on each machine(if look hard enough,you'll be able to activate the videos),they reveal all this wierd stuff about the flood.CHECK IT OUT!!!

  • cosmostein77

    Posted Aug 22, 2007 9:49 am PT

    Goodness knows Sony could benefit from having a great game on its console.

  • MogFromLeipzig

    Posted Aug 22, 2007 9:47 am PT

    That would be great! I don't really like buying and playing PC games and I don't own an Xbox360. But I would get the PS3 version.

  • Grendal66

    Posted Aug 22, 2007 9:44 am PT

    Hey more sales mean its more likely that we'll get a sequel, so I'll be happy to see it one the PS3.

  • darkzerogamer

    Posted Aug 22, 2007 9:38 am PT

    As long as it was made for the 360 first, who cares if it eventually gets ported to the ps3?

  • Bgrngod

    Posted Aug 22, 2007 9:37 am PT

    A PS3 version all comes down to whether or not the profits would justify the cost of putting it on the PS3. We have no idea how much it would cost them to do so, but we can guess at how many copies they may sell. If it comes out a year from now then they had better add a lot to it.

    We shall see. I am willing to bet that they do end up setting aside a small team to handle it. It may end up being sloppy though. Such as the sad state of ports.

  • SiiSsy

    Posted Aug 22, 2007 9:35 am PT

    I really hope it comes out for Playstation 3, I think it looks superb.

  • felshs

    Posted Aug 22, 2007 9:30 am PT

    cool......now my ps3 will get a chance for another 2K greatest hit. other one is oblivion 2K title gonna very popular from now on.

  • mitu123

    Posted Aug 22, 2007 9:30 am PT

    Wait, let me get this straight:
    At first, Bioshock is announced for Xbox 360 and PC.
    Then it was also announced for PS3(by reading game magazines like Game Informer).
    The PS3 version didn't come out around the time of Xbox 360 or PC versions, and now the PC demo has info about the PS3?

    Let it be on the PS3 already, make all Sony fans(like me) happy.

  • fr33_loader

    Posted Aug 22, 2007 9:30 am PT

    BUT IT'S A SHOOTER AND IT COULD RUN ON A DVD DISC. It doesnt deserve to be part of the glorious, "we dont care about shooters", all mighty, 50Gb Bluray games, "you need a HDMI connection to have good graphics", coming soon, you just wait and see PS3 library.

  • bennie12

    Posted Aug 22, 2007 9:28 am PT

    All the moron Ps3 fans get angry when 360 owners talk about MGS4 coming to 360, but they can whine about wanting Bioshock. Double standards if you ask me.

  • poofin

    Posted Aug 22, 2007 9:24 am PT

    I would be curious to see just how many people own a PS3, but not a PC.

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