How many development studios does it take to make BioShock 2? Four, you say? That’s one helluva guess, mister! You better treat yourself to a cookie.

But yes, four seems to be the magic number for this PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PC-bound project. The 2K Marin-led prequel already has technical assistance from 2K Australia and the entire multiplayer mode is being developed by Pariah and Dark Sector dev Digital Extremes. But that’s not enough for the original Big Daddy as now another developer, Arkane Studios (of Arx Fatalis and Dark Messiah of Might & Magic fame), has been added to the mix.

2K Marin producer Alyssa Finley explains, “I’m proud to say that we’ve added another important developer to the mix. Under the direction and leadership of 2K Marin, Arkane is assisting in the creation of levels that embody the aesthetic and gameplay ideals that make BioShock such a unique and exciting experience.”

Arkane’s own website specifies that the areas they’re lending a hand with are design, animation and art. Guess we’ll see what this child of many parents will end up like when it launches later this year.