It takes a lot of manpower and many hard hours to develop a video game from the ground up, and the highly anticipated BioShock Infinite is no exception.
Developer Irrational Games put out this infographic to show fans and gamers just how much time and effort went into the development of BioShock Infinite. For example, the script for the game has 20,000 more words than the average novel along with 10,000 lines of dialogue. During the game's multi-year development, 18 staffers became parents and 40,000 cans of pop (or 3,750 gallons) were consumed in the Irrational Games' offices. Perhaps most impressive is that BioShock Infinite is so ridiculously complex that the game comprises of 631 miles worth of code, or 150 miles further than Irrational's Boston offices to Washington D.C.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Complex Game Development
- The development of BioShock Infinite showcases the massive undertaking required to create highly complex video games.
- Time-intensive Game Scripting
- The 20,000 additional words in the game script compared to the average novel highlight the extensive efforts put into storytelling in video games.
- Impact of Game Development on Staff
- The fact that 18 staffers became parents during the multi-year development of BioShock Infinite suggests that companies need to consider the personal implications and work-life balance of team members during game creation.
Where This Applies
- Video Game Development
- The game development industry should constantly explore ways to refine and streamline complex processes to create better gaming experiences.
- Narrative Storytelling
- The use of 10,000 lines of dialogue in BioShock Infinite demonstrates the potential for growth and innovation in the narrative storytelling industry, particularly in interactive mediums.
- Workplace Wellness and Productivity
- The consumption of 40,000 cans of pop in the Irrational Games' offices indicates a need for the food and beverage industry to adapt and provide healthier alternatives to support the well-being and productivity of game developers.
