Arkane Studios Aiding 2K Marin On BioShock 2

Dark Messiah of Might & Magic developer Arkane Studios is working with 2K Marin on the upcoming BioShock 2, the independent French-headquartered studio revealed on its website. Including 2K Marin itself, the primary developer on the game, Arkane is the fourth studio known to be contributing to the sequel; 2K Australia is co-developing the game, as it did with 2K Boston for the original BioShock, and Digital Extremes is handling the multiplayer component. Specifically, Arkane, which has its headquarters in Lyon, France and a satellite studio in Austin, Texas, is said to be collaborating "in the areas of design, animation, and art." A statement on the company's website indicated: "We're excited about this game, which underscores Arkane Studios' core values." BioShock 2 producer Alyssa Finley of 2K Marin also commented on the partnership: "In the past we’ve been working closely with 2K Australia for our tech needs and Digital Extremes for our robust multiplayer experience. Today I’m proud to say that we’ve added another important developer to the mix." "Under the direction and leadership of 2K Marin, Arkane is assisting in the creation of levels that embody the aesthetic and gameplay ideals that make BioShock such a unique and exciting experience." Arkane's design roots are not dissimilar to those of BioShock 2. The original BioShock was to a great extent born out of the lineage of Looking Glass Studios' System Shock and 2K Boston's (nee Irrational Games) own System Shock 2. Arkane has always cited Looking Glass' first-person works as primary influences, and its Arx Fatalis and Dark Messiah of Might & Magic have been first-person genre-blending games as well. BioShock 2 is planned to release this fall for PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3.