PS3 BioShock Infinite will not be a port

Irrational Games are making special efforts to ensure that all versions of its forthcoming BioShock Infinite are up to scratch, the developer has announced.

As you might recall, the PlayStation 3 port of the original BioShock didn't quite stand up to the Xbox 360 original. According to Digital Foundry's analysis, it was "jerkier and blurrier - significantly and annoyingly so."

It was a similar situation with the sequel too, though that was developed by a different team.

However, things are looking much more promising for the impending BioShock Infinite. Irrational's technical director, Chris Klein, posted on Irrational's forums, "we're serious about making sure the PS3 version is great."

"We have no plans to hand off the PS3 version of BioShock Infinite to another studio. In fact, it's not a 'port' at all. We have a much larger team than we did on the original BioShock, so we're doing simultaneous in-house development on the PS3, 360, and PC versions of the game.

"We all know that the PS3 is powerful but unique console with its own strengths and challenges. But compared to the PC, the Xbox 360 is challenging too. So instead of declaring a 'lead platform' and porting the game to the others, we've instead changed the game engine so that all platforms look (to a programmer) more like a PS3."

Elsewhere in the lengthy, jargon-strewn post, Klein adds, "In terms of production, we're constantly testing our code on the PS3, as it is part of our QA team's daily test plan. All of our programmers have PS3 and 360 dev kits on their desks, and can test on the PS3 just as easily as on the 360."

Positive noises then, but the proof will be in the pudding, and it's pudding that isn't due to be dished up for some time. BioShock Infinite is due for launch on PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 some time in 2012.

In the meantime, have a gawp at the stunning launch trailer below.