Those sneaky file searchers over at the 2K Games forums have uncovered a few text strings embedded in the PC version of BioShock's game code which hint at a new set of plasmids coming our way. After looking through the game's install files for a reference to a PC game editor, forum member Zemlor stumbled across a reference to a piece of content called "PlasmidPack1". The description for the content reads; "Having concluded clinical trials on four new Genetic Improvements, Ryan Industries is proud to announce the general release of their newest products:" and lists four new plasmids including Machine Buster, Vending Expert, Sonic Boom and Eve Savor. Not only that, but the game code also lists various unused plasmid types and descriptions. Exciting, no?But don't get overly pumped just yet, because it seems that the new plasmid content needs to be activated via some sort of online key. Also, this code was found on the PC version and could simply be "junk code". Though, we're the gambling types and are willing to bet that new plasmids will be hitting the XBLM in the near future and (fingers crossed) for free. Because if we have to pay for them and they are already on the BioShock game disc awaiting an online "activation code" to unlock, then we'll be a few bitter fanboys. Not allowing us to use certain content that's already on the disc for the sole reason of charging us down the road makes us furious. Don't do it 2K ... don't do it.
[Thanks, Matt]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
9-05-2007 @ 2:48PM
MDJ2010 said...
I wondered how long it would take for Bioshock DL content rumours to begin, and brilliantly it hasn't taken long at all. Very Exciting news!!!
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9-05-2007 @ 2:51PM
xenocidic said...
having already beat the game twice i wouldn't get too excited about new plasmids unless they also released some new levels with some extra cheevos
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9-05-2007 @ 2:59PM
Tony said...
What's a cheevo?
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9-05-2007 @ 3:01PM
Mauricio said...
this does sound like good news but it makes me wonder. If the code was already on disc why wouldn't they just implement it in the game. Seems wierd to make us use an activation code.
oh well. hopefully they put it out for people to use.
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9-05-2007 @ 3:02PM
Dean said...
Probably an Achievment.
I would bet on 2K charging for the content, given the response BioShock [apparently] gave to somebody regarding the licensing on the PC version.
http://gamers-creed.com/?p=500
Or check out n4g.com and ctrl+f "bioshock". Should be the first thing that pops up.
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9-05-2007 @ 3:12PM
Tony said...
I really don't know that some minor DLC and transferring licenses between users (even if they are the same guy, I'm not sure why he can't just stay in that admin account to avoid the issue entirely) are really that equatable.
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9-05-2007 @ 3:14PM
Mauricio said...
@Dean - Wow that sucks. Its a double standard. The 360 can have more then one Gamertag(User) play the game on the same Console. why cant a PC?
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9-05-2007 @ 3:16PM
Nicholas said...
Yup, it's all on PartnerNet... oups!! did I say that?
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9-05-2007 @ 3:17PM
Tony said...
You get 5 activations, from what I understand. So he can have it under his user and then four others on PC, technically.
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9-05-2007 @ 3:19PM
cadaver said...
About the part of them charging for wahts already on the disc... Game makers have been doing this for years already.
It obvious when a car or a level download is 14kb, that it is an unlock key.
Namco did it with ridge racer, but thankfully they did it for free.
EA charged for it, in Carbon.
I can't remember specific titles, but I noticed this very early on in the 260's lifecycle... and yes SHAME, is a good word, but I think GREED might fit a little better.
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9-05-2007 @ 3:20PM
xenocidic said...
@tony cheevo = uber-hip way of saying achievment
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9-05-2007 @ 3:24PM
xenocidic said...
oh, by the way, here is the in-game advertisement for what I can only assume will be called sonic boom(?)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJesHQB1g_s
(not rick astley, I promise)
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9-05-2007 @ 3:30PM
x silence x said...
@Nicholas
I can also confirm that :)
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9-05-2007 @ 3:35PM
Kamal said...
Too bad I did not win bioshock before.
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9-05-2007 @ 3:54PM
BitChain said...
i don't understand this obsession by online commentators that somehow content to be activated which exists already on disc is somehow an illegitimate practice when charged for. so what if it's already on disc, maybe it's just logistically better that way as you save users the time to download that content, and let's face it there are not many games that fill a DVD to the brim, so why not use that extra space for planned future content? honestly, it's bizarre that just by including the content on the disc commentators somehow believe it transfers automatic ownership to the disc holder - do you think you own DirectX or the Unreal Engine 3 just because they are also on the disc?
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9-05-2007 @ 4:11PM
The 7th Number said...
@ xenocidic
I seen that cloud guy on a station to buy new plasmids. So they could be unlocked.
2k might charge us for something already on the disc. If im not mistaken, nba 2k has a replay recorder/editor that you can buy, but its already on the disc, you just have to buy the key.
With that said, what is really the difference? The fact that you are buying less KB/MB of a download? You are paying for something if its on the disc or if its downloaded totally to your hard drive. Personally i would rather have more space on my hard drive, and just download a key. Rather then download the whole thing onto my hard drive.
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9-05-2007 @ 4:21PM
xenocidic said...
i think the reason people complain about being charged for content that's already on the disc is because they've paid for the disc. the retail purchase is supposed to cover the costs incurred in development prior to launch.
if these things were already built into the game prior to launch, well, there you go. you've paid for it already.
paying extra for DLC is all well and good if you're paying for additional POST-LAUNCH programming efforts. not something that's already been done in the initial development cycle and included at retail launch.
make sense?
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9-05-2007 @ 4:25PM
The 7th Number said...
@ xenocidic
You make a very strong point. I would have to agree with that too. Anything put on the disc before the game goes gold should be included when you buy the game. DLC should be anything added after the game has been released. Expansion packs, news weapons, whatever. They shouldnt pre plan to hold something back before launch and then turn and sell it to us again after we buy the game already.
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9-05-2007 @ 4:35PM
xenocidic said...
I guess my degree in philosophy wasn't a total waste ;>
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9-05-2007 @ 4:52PM
Mauricio said...
@BitChain - just to be clear, the unreal 3 engine is not on the Disc. When you buy a painting, you only buy the finished piece of art. you dont buy the easel, the pallete, the tubes of paint and the brushes.
i can see your point and i understand they can do whatever they want. Its just an underhanded thing to do. They make us pay 60 bucks for the game and then make us pay more for content thats already on the same disc. Its not even Downloadable Content by definition.
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