Did Clockwork Revolution copy BioShock Infinite?

For those who have played it, the first thing that comes to mind after Clockwork Revolution’s trailer reveal is BioShock Infinite. The overall aesthetics of the new game visibly borrows from one of the most beloved classics. The two share similar steampunk styled visuals and First Person Shooter gameplay mechanics, making gamers think that Clockwork Revolution did copy BioShock Infinite.

While only these two similarities are not enough to label the game as a direct copy, we are afraid that the resemblance goes a bit further than that. First, let’s take a look at the trailer for Clockwork Revolution.

And now let’s take a look at the BioShock Infinite trailers from over 10 years ago.

Did Clockwork Revolution copy BioShock Infinite?

https://twitter.com/Butmac/status/1667955735085592576

A twitter account going by the name of Butmac seemingly sheds some light on this topic. Supposedly the account is owned by a video game trailer producer/writer/director. According to the tweets, they are responsible for contributing to a number of game trailers like MultiVersus, Star Wars Outlaws, and BioShock Infinite itself. Here are some of the comparisons he made.

Flying Rails and Large Statues 

https://twitter.com/Butmac/status/1668005930095767552

• From the picture in the tweet, we can see that both the games feature trains passing through air and large public display statues built as a form of monuments. This is a hint that the new game is based on a similar utopian society.
• We can also find resemblance between the architectural style of the buildings shown in the photos.
• There is a high chance that the plot shares a similar industrial age where humanity was able to harness technologies, thus taking society to a new height.

Character Design

https://twitter.com/Butmac/status/1668006153815719936

Butmac’s comparison thread shows us not one, but two character designs that are almost identical to that of BioShock Infinite’s.

• Firstly, a possible medium-high difficulty mechanical enemy on the right reminds us of the Fireman from BioShock Infinite.
• Next, we see a similar looking scarfed character that shares an exact physical appearance with Daisy Fitzroy, an important antagonist found within BioShock Infinite.
• We don’t know if it was a direct inspiration, but visually the resemblances of both characters are uncanny.

Surrounding Elements

https://twitter.com/Butmac/status/1668006233876615168

• Coming to the third set of pictures that showcase how Clockwork Revolution may have copied BioShock Infinite, we see a similar distribution of pipeline-based networks. We believe this be used to traverse around during certain sections of the game.
• After that, we see identical propaganda filled posters that warn the public regarding enemies around them.
• Lastly, we see two characters dictating or disseminating information to the public. All three of these might add to an atmosphere that is reminiscent of BioShock Infinite.

Propaganda-filled Posters  

https://twitter.com/Butmac/status/1668006570289172482

The last part of the thread showcases a set of posters.

• The posters placed above symbolizes a rebellion against the current regime.
• On the other hand, the two below praise the current leaders of the respective games for their contribution in building and governing an ideal civilization.
• Thus, it doesn’t come as a surprise that Clockwork Revolution may have a similar storyline to BioShock Infinite.

Microsoft speaks up about Clockwork Revolution and BioShock Infinite

Important to know that Clockwork Revolution is a true RPG with all of the stats, crunchy details and deep reactivity that we’re known for.

— Brian Fargo (@BrianFargo) June 11, 2023

inXile’s CEO Brian Fargo has addressed this exact issue assuring us that there will be plenty of features, new and different from BioShock Infinite. For example, there will be a mechanic that allows players to rewind time. Additionally, players will also be able to customize their character when starting the game.

Although this doesn’t really answer the other similarities gamers have found in both games, we’ll just have to wait until Clockwork Revolution is released. By then, we may be able to look at both games side by side instead of just basing on the gameplay trailers.

What do you think of this situation? Let us know in the comments below.

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