Bioshock Infinite: Multiplayer Addition To Blame For The Delay?

Counter to rumours that Bioshock Infinite will be released in 2013 because of GTA V coming out in the same October release window as was initially pencilled in, and publisher Take-Two not wishing the games to face off directly (probably a smart move had it been true), it seems that the delay might actually be because Ken Levine's team are planning to add multiplayer to the finished game. According to a job posting that has just appeared on Gamasutra, Infinite's developers Irrational Games are looking for a network programmer with experience "developing network backend support on a multi-console title with support for matchmaking, stat tracking and analysis, in-game push updates, etc". That would fit with Ken Levine's assertion that the team actually needed more time to develop the game:

"...we've come to realise that some specific tweaks and improvements will make Infinite into something even more extraordinary. Therefore, to give our talented team the time they need, we've decided to move the game's release to February 26, 2013."

So by special tweaks and improvements, it seems the supremo meant the addition of multiplayer. Exciting stuff. Here is the full job listing:

POSITION OVERVIEW The BioShock Infinite team bets big on everything we do -- we strive to be careful about the problems we tackle, innovative in our approach, solid in our implementation, and we polish the heck out of everything we do. Networking is no exception. Right now we're looking for an talented and experience individual to help us with the networking aspects of BioShock Infinite. This position will require a combination of initiative, leadership, design, coding, and daily problem solving on multiple target platforms. If you have the skills and passion for world-class network-connected experiences like BioShock then why not come join a team that has the track record, the autonomy, and the time to do it right? UNIVERSAL RESPONSIBILITY € We expect people to seek out all relevant information on their subject and be able to respond to spontaneous inquiries on that subject. RESPONSIBILITIES € Work with the team who created BioShock network code. € Advising engineers on how to properly architect their systems for optimal networking € Extending and enhancing Unreal Engine 3 with proprietary networking tech to address gameplay, performance, platform, production, tools, and QA needs € Interfacing with Microsoft, Sony, and other providers about platform-specific services € Working with the Technical Director, Lead Programmers, and IT Director to plan and execute major changes to client-side technology and backend services € Responsible for delivering a robust, scalable, and responsive client-side networking support on the PC, PS3, and Xbox 360 platforms

Bioshock Infinite is now expected to come out on 26th February 2013. You can follow all of our coverage of the game here.