BioShock Infinite
A first-person shooter set in the floating city of Columbia.
Where BioShock Infinite comes up1 episode or test
- Prompt lists throwing at announcer
- Hidden option shown upfront
- Surprise is given away
- No choice prompt shown
- Shoot ropes, shoot snipers, or refuse
- Unlisted actions quietly supported
Unlisted options let clever players feel smart
From Game design note on choice prompts
What was said about BioShock Infinite
BioShock Infinite's ball throw shows how a listed prompt spoils a hidden option. Players can throw the ball at the racist announcer instead of the couple, but the on-screen prompt lists that option and so gives the surprise away.
The source uses this as a contrast with Spec Ops: The Line, where choices are invisible. There, players can shoot the ropes, shoot the snipers, or refuse to choose, and unlisted actions are quietly supported. The lesson drawn is that a menu must list every option, so hiding extra options lets clever players discover them and feel smart.
The Power of Invisible Choices
You can throw the ball at the racist announcer instead of the couple, but the on-screen prompt spoils that hidden option by listing it.
BioShock Infinite's ball throw shows how a listed prompt spoils a hidden option. Players can throw the ball at the racist announcer instead of the couple, but the on-screen prompt lists that option and so gives the surprise away.
The source uses this as a contrast with Spec Ops: The Line, where choices are invisible. There, players can shoot the ropes, shoot the snipers, or refuse to choose, and unlisted actions are quietly supported. The lesson drawn is that a menu must list every option, so hiding extra options lets clever players discover them and feel smart.
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