Recently surfaced concept art for BioShock Infinite sheds light on the early design of the Welcome Center, revealing a striking departure from the version that made it into the game. Some enthusiasts who came across the initial artwork expressed a preference for its aesthetic over the final iteration chosen by the developers for the level.

The acclaimed BioShock Infinite, developed by the now-defunct Irrational Games, underwent a tumultuous development process before its release in 2013. The game experienced numerous revisions, with several elements initially teased in promotional material failing to feature in the final product. The unique setting of BioShock Infinite, the airborne city of Columbia, also underwent substantial changes, as evidenced by concept art showcasing entirely different level designs.

A recent post on the BioShock subreddit unveiled early artwork depicting the area where players are first introduced to Columbia in the Welcome Center level. Titled 'Columbia Entrance' and crafted by concept artist Ben Lo, the piece envisioned a larger and more grandiose rendition of the introductory stage, adorned with towering angelic sculptures and a monumental depiction of Zachary Hale Comstock, the game's primary antagonist, who drew inspiration from controversial historical figures.

While some members of the community favored the early Welcome Center design, a Reddit user pointed out that concept art often depicts more intricate and grandiose visions than what can be realized in a game. Despite the alterations made by Irrational Games and publisher 2K, BioShock Infinite resonated with many through its narrative and distinctive visual style. To this day, the game is regarded as one of the most beloved and remarkable experiences in gaming.

Comparing BioShock Infinite Welcome Center Concept Art and Final Version

One of the standout aspects of BioShock Infinite is the portrayal of Columbia as a dynamic, thriving city-state with its own culture and inhabitants. Furthermore, the game is lauded for offering the most open and fluid combat in the entire BioShock series, while also granting fans the opportunity to revisit the franchise's original underwater setting of Rapture at its peak through the Burial at Sea expansion.

In 2019, 2K confirmed that a different internal studio, Cloud Chamber, had commenced the development of the next BioShock installment. The upcoming BioShock 4 is anticipated to meet high expectations, considering the achievements of its predecessors, such as introducing unique settings like BioShock Infinite's Columbia and presenting compelling and intricate antagonists.