I think it's kind of a logical conclusion to science and technology when not constrained by ethics, morality or other regulations aimed at safety as one would find in a Libertarian's wet dream. It might not be superpowered mutants, but more like human experimentation like the Nazis did or nuclear weapons that go boom when you don't want them to because you're being careless about safety.
Also, wasn't the true downfall of the city more because of the power struggle between Atlas and Ryan? There is a whole subplot about the class war happening in the city along with a rebellion, but I haven't played it in so long I don't recall all the details. Ot if that even matters because didnt they turn out to be the same guy just manipulating you? 🤔
Fuck. Gonna make me play through Bioshock again.