New BioShock game in the works at secret 2K studio

If you’ve been wondering what exactly publisher 2K is doing with the BioShock name, you’re not alone. It’s been some time since the launch of BioShock Infinite, and while certainly not the best in the series it still garnered enough critical and commercial success to warrant a continuation. But Irrational Games shut their doors not too long afterwards, and the franchise has been dormant since. But that might all change soon, as a new report (which coincidentally has nothing to do with BioShock) has confirmed that one is in fact in development.

Kotaku’s Jason Schreier reported on the ups and downs of another 2K studio, Hanger 13, and what they’ve been struggling with since the launch of the mediocre Mafia 3. The studio reportedly began work on another Mafia game set in Vegas, but scrapped the idea to work on some new IP. That project has also been put on hold, with Hanger 13 no unsure of what the future holds for them. But the biggest news of the story was, unsurprisingly, not even about that. Instead, it was what Schreier found out about a studio over the road.

This new, unnamed studio is being kept as secret as possible, and so is their project. Which is, according to the report, a brand new entry in the BioShock franchise. There’s no word beyond that though. No indication if this is seeking to continue the work that Ken Levine and company started, or just use the name in an entirely different way much like Bethesda did with their Prey reboot. Considering how BioShock Infinite’s Burial at Sea DLC wrapped up the connections between Rapture and Columbia very nicely (arguably the best part of Infinite entirely), it would be safe to assume 2K is using this name for a brand new direction.

But what makes BioShock really tick? For me it was the sense of wonder and storytelling, which still never reached the standards the first game set more than a decade ago. The series leaned heavily into action after that, and lost some of the minute detail in its atmosphere and horror. BioShock is a game about morals and ideals, and its later sequels really missed that entirely. Hopefully whatever 2K is cooking up manages to make it to release, and perhaps brings us back to those storied heights again.

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I guess I can put this here.

Studio to establish team across two locations: Novato, Calif. and Montréal, Québec

New York, NY – December 9, 20192K today announced the founding of Cloud Chamber™, the newest, wholly owned game development studio under the Company’s publishing label. A collective of storytellers eager to push the frontlines of interactive entertainment by making unique, entertaining and thoughtful experiences that engage the world, Cloud Chamber will build its team at two locations: 2K’s San Francisco Bay Area headquarters in Novato, Calif., as well as in Montréal, Québec, which marks the first-ever Canadian office for a 2K studio. In addition, 2K announced that Cloud Chamber has started to work on the next iteration of the globally acclaimed BioShock® franchise, which will be in development for the next several years.

“As we continue growing our product portfolio, we remain inspired by opportunities to invest further in our valuable IP, great people and their collective, long-term potential,” said David Ismailer, President of 2K. “ BioShock is one of the most beloved, critically praised and highest-rated franchises of the last console generation*. We can’t wait to see where its powerful narrative and iconic, first-person shooter gameplay head in the future with our new studio team at Cloud Chamber leading the charge.”

A 22-year industry veteran with more than 40 games shipped to date, Kelley Gilmore will serve as Cloud Chamber’s Global Studio Head and be the first woman in 2K history to lead a development studio. Her wealth of experience transcends executive production, marketing direction and public relations management, including nearly two decades of service to another of 2K’s wholly owned studios, Firaxis Games, on franchises such as Sid Meier’s Civilization® and XCOM® . Her role is based in Novato.

“We founded Cloud Chamber to create yet-to-be-discovered worlds – and their stories within – that push the boundaries of what is possible in the video game medium,” said Kelley Gilmore, Global Studio Head, Cloud Chamber. “Our team believes in the beauty and strength of diversity, in both the makeup of the studio and the nature of its thinking. We are a deeply experienced group of game makers, including many responsible for BioShock ’s principal creation, advancement and longstanding notoriety, and honored to be part of the 2K family as stewards of this iconic franchise.”

Gilmore has tapped Ken Schachter to be Cloud Chamber’s Studio Manager in Montréal. An executive with extensive experience in development, production, technology and creative roles, Schachter will also be an ambassador for both the studio and 2K in establishing a significant Company presence in Montréal. Prior to joining 2K, Schachter served as General Manager for Zynga in Toronto, as well as founded independent game developer and publisher Trapdoor. He has also held notable positions with companies such as Gameloft, Autodesk and more.

Cloud Chamber’s decision to open a new office in Montréal was supported by the Gouvernement du Québec and Montréal International.

Cloud Chamber will join the Company’s family of wholly owned development teams, including Visual Concepts, Firaxis Games, Hangar 13, Cat Daddy Games and 2K Silicon Valley. Those interested in pursuing career opportunities with the new studio may visit the Cloud Chamber website or 2K Careers for more information.

For more information on 2K , visit www.2k.com, become a fan on Facebook, follow the Company on Twitter or Instagram or subscribe on YouTube.

** Based on* Metacritic.com average ranking across available platforms

2K is a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).

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