Digital Extremes, the studio behind Dark Sector and the co-developer of the PS3 version of BioShock, as well numerous entries in the Unreal and Unreal Tournament franchises, will create the multiplayer component of BioShock 2.
Described by publisher Take-Two as an extensive, experience points-based multiplayer affair set during the fall of Rapture, it promises “a rich prequel experience” that "enhances the lore and fiction of the BioShock universe."
“Earn experience points during gameplay to earn access to new weapons, plasmids and tonics that can be used to create hundreds of different combinations, allowing players to develop a unique character that caters to their playing style,” says the press release.
"The fans asked for a multiplayer experience and we answered,” said 2K president Christoph Hartmann. “With Digital Extremes delivering a multiplayer experience for BioShock 2 that features all of the things that make BioShock unique, we’re holding ourselves to a high standard so that we can deliver the depth and variety that fans of the BioShock universe demand."
Set for release later this year, BioShock 2 is in development at 2K Marin, 2K Australia and Digital Extremes for PS3, Xbox 360 and PC.