State of the Franchise: BioShock

In this State of the Franchise, the BioShock brand is explored as well as its long term viability. Bioshock Infinite is also profiled and how its performance may impact the future of the series.

When BioShock Infinite was announced in August 2010, it was met with puzzlement and, in some cases, anger by many fans. This uproar wasn't so much about Infinite's premise, setting, or art style, which was marvellously showcased in its reveal cinematic trailer. The controversy surrounding Infinite stemmed from having "BioShock" in the title. Infinite is such a drastic departure from the original, many questioned why it shared the BioShock name. Whatever your stance on the subject, one thing is very clear: BioShock doesn't pertain to specific settings or characters anymore; BioShock is a brand.

Modern Gaming: Is It Evolving?

It's a pretty common question among gamers and industry experts alike; when will this medium evolve into a respectable past time? It's an important question, since stereotypes and negative stigmas still run rampant throughout mainstream culture. I personally believe that yes, gaming will one day be a respected medium. However, exactly when it will happen is a different question entirely.

Will it be 5, 10, or 50 years until gaming completely assimilates into modern culture? I guess it depends on how fast this medium is evolving. However, this implies that the industry is progressing in the first place. And sadly, I couldn't find convincing evidence that this medium is on a positive trajectory. Sure, there are promising signs here and there, but nothing overwhelming to suggest its evolving for the better. So naturally, I've come to the conclusion that no, the industry isn't evolving. In fact, I'd like to make the case that it's actually going in the other direction. Here are 7 reasons the gaming industry, specifically the hardcore, won't be respected anytime soon.

Prediction Roundup: Volume II

 Prediction Roundup attempts to rationalize and provide insight to some of the gaming industry's most pressing questions by using deductive reasoning and supporting facts. Following each prediction is a handy "confidence meter" displaying how Game Nook views the prediction's probability.

Prediction Roundup: Volume I

Prediction Roundup attempts to rationalize and provide insight to some of the gaming industry's most pressing questions by using deductive reasoning and supporting facts. Following each prediction is a handy "confidence meter" displaying how Game Nook views the prediction's probability.

Why Mass Effect 3's Ending Could Be Genius

 WARNING: Mass Effect 3 spoilers ahead

Going into Mass Effect 3, I'd already heard of the controversies surrounding the ending, so I wasn't too surprised of the lack of closure and how little my choices mattered. However, what I wasn't expecting was how nonsensical and confusing the ending was to me. "How did Garrus, who accompanied me on my race to the Conduit and supposedly died, get on the jungle planet?" I said to myself, as the credits rolled by to The Faunt's catchy new tune. "W-who exactly is the Catalyst and why is it in the form of the child Shepard saw on Earth?" I further pondered. Some sort of symbolism perhaps? I really didn't have a strong opinion of the ending because I assumed it went over my head and I just missed something. As it turns out, that could potentially be the case.