Religion is one of those topics that make for excellent discussions. With that I mean proper philosophical and theological discussions and not your everyday internet rant which usually is the offspring of both ignorance and foolhardy tempers. Whether you like it or not, Religion has played an undeniable and fundamental part in the history of us as a species, bringing with it both the good and bad, creating what we now call history and our heritage. It also is a topic often portrayed in the media, movies and videogames – with varying accuracy and bias.

Irrational Games co-founder Ken Levine isn't, in his own words, a religious person. Yet, he does have the commendable stance – one of which some people might cut of a slice for themselves – to engage with the topic in a serious and respectful manner. To that effect, having talked to various employees of his company that follow a religious creed, he has taken the decision to alter one of the characters in the upcoming game, Bioshock Infinte.

"One of the characters in the game was highly altered based upon some very interesting conversations I had with people on the team who came from a very religious background, and I was able to understand they were kind of upset about something."

Now, 'upset about something' is basically a chronic human state. There is always something we, as individuals, don't like and we often go to great lengths to vent our frustration, anger or hate – check the YouTube comments to any random video and you'll see it first-hand. Luckily, Ken Levine didn't leave it at that. He went on to say:

"What I said to them was, 'I'm not going to change anything to get your approval, but I think I understand what you're saying and I think I can do something that's going to make the story better, based on what you said.' So I did that, and I'm grateful for them bringing in their perspective. The last thing I wanted to do was change something because it offends somebody, but the thing they pointed out was making it a lesser story."

Let's face it guys, it's BioShock, it's Ken Levine and it's Irrational Games – they care about their product and are not afraid to talk about sensitive topics. Hell, in case you don't remember, genetic modifications were more or less at the canter of the two previous games so the developers really aren't the kind of people that would give way to pressure from a few religious people unless they had a good, rational reason to. And making the story richer is a good, valid and rational reason any day. The last thing they want, and we need, is another game that portrays religion in a distorted, inaccurate way only to gain the approval of the majority of gamers, which, to the most part, are not experts on the subject.

On a different subject concerning BioShock Infinite, the prequel to the upcoming game has been announced. Yup, that's right, more BioShock goodness coming to you and this time, it's in a book format. A book? Yes, a book, the medium that has captivated millions of people over the course of history and still remains the best source of entertainment and imagination to date. It will be available for Amazon Kindle starting Febuary 12th for a mere $2.99 and entirely free for all those who pre-ordered the game via Amazon.

BioShock Infinite: Mind in Revolt is said to give you all the information and background fluff concerning the sky-city Columbia prior to the time in which the actual game takes place. Written by Irrational Games very own writer Joe Fielder and of course, Ken Levine.

"Since we first announced BioShock Infinite, our fans have asked for more information about Columbia and the complex cast of characters that inhabit the floating city," said Fielder. "After reading the e-book, players will have a better understanding of BioShock Infinite's world, the struggle between its factions, and the motivations of key characters, like rebel leader Daisy Fitzroy, without spoiling the mysteries of BioShock Infinite."

If you happened to pre-order the game, you will also gain access to the Industrial Revolution Pack which gives you exclusive access to three in-game gear items boosting combat abilities – why anybody would want this is beyond me, 500 bonus in-game currency, five lock picks, and the Industrial Revolution puzzle game which unlocks various stories concerning Columbia. As well as that, you will also be able to pledge your allegiance to the Vox Populi or Founders through Facebook, if you are so inclined.