BioShock 2’s multiplayer will be handled by Dark Sector developer Digital Extremes, according to an announcement from 2K Games today. The studio will be working closely with 2K Marin’s creative team to create an “extensive and exciting miltiplayer element” that complements the story of the single-player campaign.

Rather than simply slapping together some maps, the multiplayer portion of the game will be a full blown prequel set during the fall of Rapture, with players assuming the role of a test subject for Sinclair Solutions, the underwater utopia’s premier provider of Plasmids and Tonics. Following in the footsteps of Call of Duty, you will gain experience points which can be used to purchase new weapons, Plasmids and Tonics to customize your character with according to your play style. You’ll also get see the city as she was before the ocean reclaimed her, waging civil war in iconic locals from the first game, such as Kashmir Restaurant and Mercury Suites, which have been completely overhauled for the multiplayer.

“The fans asked for a multiplayer experience and we answered,” says 2K president Christoph Hartmann. “With Digital Extremes delivering a multiplayer experience for BioShock 2 that features all of the things that make BioShock unique, we’re holding ourselves to a high standard so that we can deliver the depth and variety that fans of the BioShock universe demand.”