The BioShock series isn’t just dormant right now; it’s pretty much dead. The long-awaited BioShock 4 is nowhere to be seen and every minor update or rumour simply proves it’s in development hell.
BioShock’s problems started much earlier than the fourth entry, though as it was BioShock Infinite that began the series’ decline.
Nothing proves that more than the latest leaked build of the game, which gives fans a tiny glimpse at what could have been.
BioShock Infinite Could Have Been Infinitely Better
The resurfaced build was dumped and released by Dusk the Crow online and shared by X user Dr_Hingis.
Apparently, it’s a version of the game from October 2012, which is around seven months before the actual release of the game. Due to this, there’s not a whole difference but there are a couple of interesting changes to note, mostly in its graphics.
A build of Bioshock Infinite from October 2012 just mysteriously appeared on the Hidden Palace. Once again, it’s unfortunately unplayable past the menu. https://t.co/iJqNe7OEVr
— Dr. Hingis (@Dr_Hingis) May 25, 2026
Visually speaking, it’s said the build is slightly closer to what was shown off in 2011, and the gameplay UI is apparently different as well. In terms of the gameplay itself, story, etc., all of that is pretty much the same.
Unfortunately, those who want to try this earlier version of the game for themselves cannot do so. You can only get as far as the main menu.
In time, someone on PC might be able to get it working and it would be a big win for the community.
BioShock Infinite was disappointing for a number of reasons, but mainly because what we originally saw of the game couldn’t have been any different to the finished product.
There are countless videos and breakdowns only discussing what changed but the biggest sin the game committed was chasing the current gaming trends.
When the game was first shown off in 2010 and later 2011, it was basically a different game altogether.
It was more in line with what BioShock fans had come to know and love, whilst also expanding the series with new gameplay mechanics that pushed the current hardware to the fullest.
During development, though, a lot of the game was scrapped in favour of more action-packed gameplay and explosive set pieces, taking a lot of inspiration from other first-person shooters like Call of Duty and Battlefield.
Now BioShock Infinite isn’t a bad game, but it’s not a great BioShock game and the fans are desperate to find a build more in line with what was originally shown off. This latest 2011 build gets them slightly closer to that goal.
It’s unknown whether a build that early even exists but if it does, it’s bound to turn up eventually.
For now, all eyes are on BioShock 4 to bring the series back to the land of the living, though the latest updates aren’t getting our hopes up.
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