We are pleased to announce a call for abstracts for an upcoming book that examines the psychological dimensions of Bioshock. This collection will explore the rich psychological themes embedded in the series, uncovering the complexities of their relationships, personalities, and archetypal roles. By connecting the deep philosophies and harrowing personalities to real-world psychology, this book aims to offer insights that resonate with fans, academics, and psychology enthusiasts alike.

Synopsis:

Would you kindly read this book? This collection of essays examines the nature of free will, and the horrific impact of unchecked greed, hubris, and subservience. From Andrew Ryan’s “free market” of Rapture, to Dr. Sofia Lamb’s Rapture Family, and Zachary Comstock’s role as the Prophet of the Floating City of Columbia, each Bioshock game examines the folly of great ambition, and the dehumanization of others to achieve those ends. This book will dive deeply into the psychological implications of each of these societies, and offer studies on the psychology of its numerous characters. Similarly the book will touch on broader psychological themes of free will, self-determination, and making apparently impossible decisions. The application of these numerous themes with real-world psychology will allow the readers to better understand their own place in a world that helped inform the creation of the Bioshock trilogy.

Call for Abstracts:
We invite submissions for chapters that explore psychological themes related to Bioshock. Possible topics include, but are not limited to:

1. How Scarcity Breeds Greed: A study of Andrew Ryan’s origins as a survivor of the Russian Revolution, and how it formed his Objectivist belief system.
2. Is free will really free? An examination of conditioning vs. consciousness in Bioshock
3. The Cognitive Breakdown: How a populus becomes complicit in atrocity to preserve their ego 
4. Short-term Satisfaction or Struggle for Long-term happiness: An examination of choice in Bioshock, and the healing power of patience.
5. Propaganda and Cults:  How Each Major Bioshock Villain manipulates the masses
6. The God Complex: Examining Dr. Sofia Lamb’s and Comstock’s roles as false idols and messiahs in their respective games.
7. People are a Means Not the Ends: The cost of pursuing one’s ambitions is one’s own humanity, an exploration of how the various villains in Bioshock represent this folly. 
8. Eliminating the Self: A Study of Sofia Lamb’s misguided ambition to create a Utopian society without freewill. 

Submission Guidelines:

• Abstracts should be between 250–300 words and clearly indicate the topic(s) being addressed.
• Include a brief biography (100 words max) detailing your expertise or interest in the subject.
• Submissions must be original and not under consideration elsewhere or created using AI.
• Deadline for Abstract Submission: 5/1/2026
• Accepted Chapter Deadline: 9/30/2026

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2026 Abstract Options. Select all or one that you want to submit for *

• Heroes
• Bioshock
• Buffy the Vampire Slayer
• Bleach

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Abstract must include: 100-300 words. An abstract is a short, focused summary that tells readers what a chapter or article is about before they dive in. In The Geek Psychology Series, the abstract highlights the core concept, the geek-culture lens being used, and the key psychological takeaway—so readers can quickly see how the content applies to therapy, education, or everyday life. These MUST be present in your abstract in order to be accepted for review. You must provide at least 3 APA 7 peer reviewed sources with your abstract that connect your perspective topic to your writing.

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Using Generative AI to write your papers for you will automatically flag you. First Offense – Warning and Opportunity to Rewrite Paper Second Offense – Your topic will be passed to another willing author or cut entirely from the book, and you will be black listed from publishing with us again. We are a collective of creative, intelligent, and very capable beings. While we all have different skill sets it’s my job as your editor to help you strengthen your writing and improve your ability to express yourself through this medium. If you are lacking in the confidence necessary to communicate those ideas and are instead relying on a technology that is not only damaging to the environment, but also deeply intellectually dishonest, then we will not publish your work. Especially since our authors are being paid for their writing. To use generative AI to write for you is not only a betrayal of the work they are putting into their writing, but also a betrayal of yourself and your capabilities.

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