Columbia’s Dystopia

Authors note before reading:

I've wanted to write a more in-depth article or essay about games for a very long time—something that goes deeper than an actual review. I have been writing such articles on films for a while and now want to transfer the same in-depth style over to video games. The article will include spoilers for the game. Any feedback and comments will be greatly appreciated.

An In-Depth Analysis of BioShock Infinite and Its Exploration of American Exceptionalism, Ideology, and the Human Condition

BioShock Infinite, developed by Irrational Games and released in 2013, is the third instalment in the critically acclaimed BioShock series. Set in the early 20th century, the game transports players to the floating city of Columbia, an ostensibly utopian society founded on principles of American exceptionalism and Christian nationalism. The game follows protagonist Booker DeWitt as he navigates Columbia in search of Elizabeth, a young woman with mysterious powers, only to uncover the city’s dark secrets and the true nature of its ideals. As a follow-up to the underwater dystopia of Rapture in the first two BioShock games, BioShock Infinite maintains the series' tradition of deeply woven narratives, ethical quandaries, and socio-political commentary.

Narrative Structure and Storytelling

The Concept of Alternate Realities

At its core, BioShock Infinite revolves around the concept of alternate realities, a theme central to its narrative structure and gameplay mechanics. The game introduces this concept through the notion of “constants and variables,” suggesting that certain events in the universe are inevitable while others are subject to change. This idea is intricately woven into the plot and is revealed gradually as players explore the city of Columbia and uncover its secrets.

The narrative begins with Booker DeWitt, a former Pinkerton agent, being transported to Columbia with a clear mission: “Bring us the girl, and wipe away the debt.” This straightforward objective soon unravels into a complex web of parallel universes and alternate timelines, each with its own version of Columbia and its inhabitants. The concept of alternate realities is further reinforced through the character of Elizabeth, who possesses the ability to open “tears” in the fabric of reality, allowing her and Booker to traverse different dimensions.

The game’s exploration of alternate realities serves multiple purposes. On one level, it provides a unique storytelling mechanism that allows for non-linear narrative progression and player agency. Players are not merely passive observers but active participants in shaping the narrative, as their choices can lead to different outcomes in alternate realities. This narrative structure also reflects the game’s broader themes of free will, determinism, and the possibility of redemption, as players are constantly confronted with the consequences of their actions and the idea that different choices could lead to other realities.

On a deeper level, the concept of alternate realities in BioShock Infinite serves as a metaphor for the human condition. It suggests that life is not a single, linear path but a series of interconnected choices and possibilities, each with its own consequences. This theme is encapsulated in the game’s ending. Booker must confront the possibility that the only way to break the cycle of violence and oppression in Columbia is to erase his existence. This decision represents a radical act of self-sacrifice and a rejection of the deterministic forces that have shaped his life, suggesting that true freedom and redemption can only be achieved by embracing the unknown and letting go of the past.

The Role of Memory and Identity

Memory and identity are central themes in BioShock Infinite, shaping the narrative and the player’s understanding of the characters and their world. Throughout the game, Booker and Elizabeth are haunted by fragmented memories of their pasts, which gradually reveal the true nature of their identities and the events that have led them to Columbia.

Booker’s memories are particularly significant, as they are closely tied to the game’s exploration of guilt, redemption, and the consequences of one’s actions. As the narrative progresses, it becomes clear that Booker’s mission to rescue Elizabeth is not merely a quest for redemption but also a journey of self-discovery as he confronts the sins of his past and the choices that have defined his life. The revelation that Booker and Comstock are the same person in different realities serves as a powerful commentary on the fluidity of identity and the idea that our choices, rather than our inherent nature, define who we are.

The theme of memory and identity similarly shapes Elizabeth’s journey. Her ability to open “tears” in reality allows her to access memories and experiences from alternate timelines, raising questions about the nature of consciousness and the self. As she uncovers the truth about her origins and her role in the cycle of violence that has shaped Columbia, Elizabeth is forced to confront the possibility that her identity is not fixed but rather a product of her choices and experiences.

The game’s exploration of memory and identity is further reinforced by its use of unreliable narration and shifting perspectives. Throughout the game, players are presented with conflicting accounts of events and characters, forcing them to question the reliability of their perceptions and the nature of reality itself. This narrative technique not only adds to the game’s sense of mystery and intrigue but also serves as a commentary on the subjective nature of memory and how our perceptions and experiences shape our identities.

The Influence of American History and Mythology

BioShock Infinite draws heavily on American history and mythology to create the world of Columbia and explore its themes. The city of Columbia is depicted as a floating utopia founded on principles of American exceptionalism, Manifest Destiny, and Christian nationalism. However, beneath its idyllic surface lies a society marked by racial segregation, class inequality, and violent repression, reflecting the darker aspects of American history and ideology.

The game’s portrayal of Columbia as a microcosm of American society is evident in its use of historical and cultural references. The city’s founder, Zachary Hale Comstock, is a charismatic leader who combines elements of historical figures such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Theodore Roosevelt while also embodying the ideals of American exceptionalism and Manifest Destiny. Comstock’s vision of Columbia as a “New Eden” reflects the utopian aspirations of early American settlers. At the same time, his authoritarian rule and emphasis on racial purity and social hierarchy mirror the darker aspects of American history, such as slavery, segregation, and imperialism.

The game’s use of American mythology is also evident in its portrayal of the Founding Fathers as quasi-religious figures worshipped by the citizens of Columbia as symbols of divine providence and national greatness. This depiction reflects the ways in which American history and mythology have been used to justify violence, oppression, and exclusion in the name of progress and civilisation.

By drawing on American history and mythology, BioShock Infinite creates a rich and immersive world and invites players to critically engage with the ideals and values that have shaped American society. The game’s portrayal of Columbia as a dystopian society founded on principles of American exceptionalism and Christian nationalism critiques these ideologies. It raises questions about the ethical implications of using history and mythology to justify violence and oppression.

Themes and Ideological Critique

American Exceptionalism and Nationalism

One of BioShock Infinite's central themes is its critique of American exceptionalism and nationalism. The game’s setting, the floating city of Columbia, manifests these ideologies, presenting itself as a utopian society founded on principles of American greatness and divine providence. However, as players delve deeper into the city’s history and social structure, it becomes clear that Columbia is a deeply flawed society built on a foundation of racial segregation, class inequality, and violent repression.

The game’s critique of American exceptionalism is evident in its portrayal of Zachary Hale Comstock, the self-proclaimed “Prophet” and leader of Columbia. Comstock’s vision of Columbia as a “New Eden” reflects the utopian aspirations of early American settlers, who saw America as a “city upon a hill,” a model of moral and political virtue for the rest of the world. However, Comstock’s authoritarian rule and emphasis on racial purity and social hierarchy reveal the darker side of American exceptionalism, suggesting that the belief in American superiority and divine providence can lead to violence, oppression, and exclusion.

The game also critiques the myth of the “American Dream,” the idea that anyone can achieve success and prosperity through hard work and determination. In Columbia, social mobility is limited by rigid class structures and racial hierarchies, reflecting the realities of American society in the early 20th century. The game’s portrayal of the underclass, including the Vox Populi, a revolutionary group fighting against Comstock’s regime, serves as a commentary on the ways in which economic inequality and social injustice can lead to violence and radicalisation.

Through its depiction of Columbia and its inhabitants, BioShock Infinite challenges players to engage critically with the ideals of American exceptionalism and nationalism. The game suggests that these ideologies, while often celebrated in American culture, can have dangerous and destructive consequences when used to justify violence, oppression, and exclusion in the name of progress and civilisation.

Racial Segregation and Class Inequality

BioShock Infinite also explores racial segregation and class inequality themes, reflecting the social and political realities of early 20th-century America. Columbia is depicted as a society divided along racial and class lines, with a rigid hierarchy that privileges white, upper-class citizens while marginalising and oppressing people of colour and the working class.

The game’s portrayal of racial segregation is particularly striking, as it reflects the racial dynamics of American society during the Jim Crow era. The citizens of Columbia are divided into distinct racial categories, with non-white residents subjected to discrimination, segregation, and violence. This is evident in the game’s depiction of Finkton. In this working-class district, non-white residents are forced to live and work in squalid conditions, and in the treatment of Daisy Fitzroy, the leader of the Vox Populi, who is depicted as a radical revolutionary fighting against racial and economic oppression.

The game also explores themes of class inequality, reflecting the economic realities of early 20th-century America. Columbia’s social hierarchy is maintained through a system of economic exploitation and political repression, with the city’s elite profiting from the labour of the working class while maintaining control through violence and coercion. The game’s portrayal of Finkton and the Vox Populi serves as a commentary on the ways in which economic inequality and social injustice can lead to social unrest and radicalisation.

By exploring racial segregation and class inequality, BioShock Infinite challenges players to confront the darker aspects of American history and ideology. The game suggests that the ideals of American exceptionalism and nationalism, while often celebrated in American culture, can have dangerous and destructive consequences when used to justify violence, oppression, and exclusion in the name of progress and civilisation.

Religion and Ideology

Religion and ideology play a significant role in BioShock Infinite, shaping the beliefs and actions of the characters and the world they inhabit. The game’s depiction of Columbia as a theocratic society founded on principles of Christian nationalism reflects how religion and ideology can be used to justify violence, oppression, and exclusion.

The game portrays Zachary Hale Comstock as a charismatic religious leader who combines elements of historical figures such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Theodore Roosevelt. This reflects the ways in which religious and ideological beliefs can be used to legitimise political power and social hierarchy. Comstock’s vision of Columbia as a “New Eden” reflects the utopian aspirations of early American settlers. At the same time, his authoritarian rule and emphasis on racial purity and social hierarchy mirror the darker aspects of American history, such as slavery, segregation, and imperialism.

The game also explores the role of ideology in shaping individual and collective identities. The citizens of Columbia are depicted as fervent believers in the ideals of American exceptionalism and Christian nationalism, with their beliefs shaping their actions and perceptions of the world. This is evident in the game’s portrayal of the Founding Fathers as quasi-religious figures worshipped by the citizens of Columbia as symbols of divine providence and national greatness. This depiction reflects the ways in which ideology can be used to justify violence, oppression, and exclusion in the name of progress and civilisation.

By exploring religion and ideology, BioShock Infinite challenges players to critically engage with the beliefs and values that have shaped American society. The game suggests that these beliefs, while often celebrated in American culture, can have dangerous and destructive consequences when used to justify violence, oppression, and exclusion in the name of progress and civilisation.

Character Analysis and Development

Booker DeWitt: The Reluctant Anti-Hero

Booker DeWitt, the protagonist of BioShock Infinite, serves as the player’s avatar and a central figure in the game’s narrative. As a former Pinkerton agent with a troubled past, Booker embodies the archetype of the reluctant anti-hero. This character is drawn into a conflict against their will and must grapple with their flaws and moral ambiguities.

Booker’s journey throughout the game is one of redemption and self-discovery. At the beginning of the game, he is motivated primarily by self-interest, driven by the need to erase his debts by rescuing Elizabeth. However, as he delves deeper into the world of Columbia and uncovers its secrets, Booker is forced to confront the consequences of his actions and the choices that have defined his life.

Booker’s character development is closely tied to the game’s exploration of themes of guilt, redemption, and the possibility of change. Throughout the game, he is haunted by memories of his past, including his participation in the massacre at Wounded Knee and his involvement in Pinkerton’s violent suppression of labour strikes. These memories serve as a constant reminder of the violence and brutality that have shaped his life and force him to confront the possibility that he may not be as different from Comstock as he would like to believe.

The revelation that Booker and Comstock are the same person in different realities serves as a powerful commentary on the fluidity of identity and the idea that our choices, rather than our inherent nature, define who we are. This revelation forces Booker to confront the possibility that he is not merely a victim of circumstance but an active participant in the cycle of violence and oppression that has shaped Columbia.

Booker’s decision to sacrifice himself at the end of the game represents a radical act of self-sacrifice and a rejection of the deterministic forces that have shaped his life. This decision suggests that true freedom and redemption can only be achieved by embracing the unknown and letting go of the past, a theme central to the game’s exploration of the human condition.

Elizabeth: The Catalyst for Change

Elizabeth, the deuteragonist of BioShock Infinite, serves as both a companion character and a catalyst for the game’s narrative and thematic development. As a young woman who can open “tears” in reality, Elizabeth embodies the game’s themes of alternate realities, free will, and the possibility of change.

Elizabeth’s character development is closely tied to her journey of self-discovery and empowerment. At the beginning of the game, she is depicted as a naive and sheltered young woman, confined to the tower of Monument Island and unaware of the true nature of her powers and her role in the cycle of violence that has shaped Columbia. However, as she and Booker explore the city and uncover its secrets, Elizabeth begins to question her identity and the nature of her powers, ultimately embracing her role as a catalyst for change.

Elizabeth’s ability to open “tears” in reality serves as a powerful metaphor for the possibility of change and the fluidity of identity. Through her powers, she can access different realities and explore the consequences of different choices, suggesting that the future is not fixed but a series of interconnected possibilities. This theme is reinforced by the game’s narrative structure, which presents players with multiple endings and alternate realities, each with its own set of consequences.

Elizabeth’s character development is also closely tied to the game’s exploration of themes of agency and autonomy. Throughout the game, she struggles to assert her agency and autonomy in a world that seeks to control and exploit her powers. Her decision to embrace her role as a catalyst for change and reject the deterministic forces that have shaped her life represents a powerful assertion of her own identity and agency, suggesting that true freedom and empowerment can only be achieved by embracing the unknown and letting go of the past.

Zachary Hale Comstock: The Villain as Ideologue

Zachary Hale Comstock, the primary antagonist of BioShock Infinite, represents the darker aspects of American exceptionalism and nationalism. As the self-proclaimed “Prophet” and leader of Columbia, Comstock embodies the ideals of American greatness and divine providence while also revealing how these ideals can be used to justify violence, oppression, and exclusion.

Comstock’s character development is closely tied to the game’s exploration of themes of ideology and the human condition. As a charismatic religious leader who combines elements of historical figures such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Theodore Roosevelt, Comstock reflects how religious and ideological beliefs can legitimise political power and social hierarchy. His vision of Columbia as a “New Eden” reflects the utopian aspirations of early American settlers. At the same time, his authoritarian rule and emphasis on racial purity and social hierarchy mirror the darker aspects of American history, such as slavery, segregation, and imperialism.

The revelation that Comstock and Booker are the same person in different realities serves as a powerful commentary on the fluidity of identity and the idea that our choices, rather than our inherent nature, define who we are. This revelation forces players to confront the possibility that Comstock is not merely a villain but a complex character shaped by his own choices and experiences.

Gameplay Mechanics and Narrative Integration

The Role of Choice and Agency

BioShock Infinite employs various gameplay mechanics that reinforce its narrative themes and provide players with a sense of agency and choice. The game’s use of alternate realities and branching narrative paths allows players to make choices that affect the story's outcome and the world of Columbia, reflecting the game’s exploration of themes of free will, determinism, and the possibility of change.

The game’s combat mechanics also reflect its themes of choice and agency. Players are given a range of weapons and abilities known as “Vigors,” which allow them to engage in combat in various ways. This gives players freedom and choice in approaching combat, reflecting the game’s broader themes of agency and autonomy.

The use of choice and agency in BioShock Infinite is further reinforced by the game’s exploration of alternate realities and branching narrative paths. Throughout the game, players are presented with a series of choices that affect the story's outcome and the world of Columbia. These choices range from moral dilemmas, such as deciding whether to kill or spare certain characters, to more subtle decisions, such as choosing between different dialogue options or paths through the game world.

The game’s use of choice and agency reinforces its narrative themes and gives players a sense of agency and control over the story. By allowing players to shape the narrative through their choices, BioShock Infinite reflects the idea that the future is not fixed but rather a series of interconnected possibilities, each with its own set of consequences.

The Use of Environmental Storytelling

Environmental storytelling is a key component of BioShock Infinite’s narrative design. It provides players with a rich and immersive world filled with details and clues about Columbia's history and social structure. The game’s environments are meticulously crafted, with each city area reflecting different aspects of its culture, ideology, and social hierarchy.

The game uses environmental storytelling to depict Finkton, a working-class district where non-white residents are forced to live and work in squalid conditions. The area is filled with visual details and audio logs that provide players with insight into the lives of working-class residents and the economic exploitation and social injustice that shape their existence.

Similarly, the game’s depiction of the Hall of Heroes, a museum dedicated to commemorating Columbia’s military victories, serves as a commentary on how history and mythology are used to justify violence and oppression in the name of progress and civilisation. The museum is filled with propaganda and exhibits that glorify Columbia’s military conquests while obscuring the darker aspects of its history, reflecting how ideology can be used to shape perceptions of the past and justify violence and exclusion.

Environmental storytelling in BioShock Infinite reinforces its narrative themes and provides players with a deeper understanding of the world and characters. By immersing players in a rich and detailed world, the game encourages them to engage more meaningfully and reflectively with its themes and ideas.

The Integration of Narrative and Gameplay Mechanics

One of BioShock Infinite's defining features is its seamless integration of narrative and gameplay mechanics, creating a cohesive and immersive experience that blurs the line between storytelling and gameplay. The game’s use of first-person perspective, combined with its interactive environments and branching narrative paths, allows players to experience the story more directly and personally, reflecting the game’s themes of agency, choice, and the fluidity of identity.

The game’s use of “tears” in reality, which allow players to access alternate realities and explore different narrative paths, serves as both a gameplay mechanic and a storytelling device. By allowing players to traverse different dimensions and realities, the game reinforces its themes of alternate realities and the possibility of change while also providing a unique and engaging gameplay experience.

The game’s use of audio logs and environmental storytelling further reinforces the integration of narrative and gameplay mechanics. Throughout the game, players can find audio logs and other forms of environmental storytelling that provide insight into the history and social structure of Columbia, as well as the personal stories of its inhabitants. These elements serve to enrich the narrative and give the players a deeper understanding of the world and characters while also encouraging exploration and engagement with the game world.

The seamless integration of narrative and gameplay mechanics in BioShock Infinite creates a cohesive, immersive experience that meaningfully and engagingly reflects the game’s themes and ideas. By blurring the line between storytelling and gameplay, the game encourages players to engage more reflectively and meaningfully with its themes and ideas.

Final Thoughts

BioShock Infinite is a complex and multi-layered game combining innovative gameplay mechanics with a rich and immersive narrative to explore American exceptionalism, ideology, and the human condition. Through its portrayal of the floating city of Columbia and its inhabitants, the game challenges players to critically engage with the ideals and values that have shaped American society while exploring how these ideals can justify violence, oppression, and exclusion in the name of progress and civilisation.

The game’s use of alternate realities, branching narrative paths, and environmental storytelling provide a unique and engaging gameplay experience while reinforcing its themes of choice, agency, and the possibility of change. By blurring the line between storytelling and gameplay, BioShock Infinite creates a cohesive and immersive experience that encourages players to engage more deeply and meaningfully with its themes and ideas.

BioShock Infinite is a powerful commentary on the human condition, suggesting that true freedom and redemption can only be achieved by embracing the unknown and letting go of the past. Through its exploration of themes of guilt, redemption, and the fluidity of identity, the game challenges players to confront the darker aspects of American history and ideology and consider the possibility of change and the potential for a better future.