A newBioShockis officially in development, but publisher 2K isn’t ready to talk about it just yet. Rather, the confirmation comes as part of a different announcement. Today 2K revealed the existence and name of a new studio under its publishing umbrella. Introducing Cloud Chamber, a two-location studio in both San Francisco, California and Montreal, Quebec, built explicitly to take on the development of the next title in theBioShockfranchise.
The press release for Cloud Chamber’s announcement understandably avoided discussing the new game in detail, but some general information was shared. 2K president David Ismailer described the franchise’s focus as featuring a “powerful narrative” and “iconic, first-person shooter gameplay.” It seems the nextBioShock,BioShock 3or otherwise, and will attempt to continue to the experience of both the originalBioShockandBioShock Infinite. That’s the extent of what 2K’s said about what can be expected of the newBioShockgame.
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As for the new game’s development, 2K does provide a general timeframe so as to not build any false expectations. According to2K Games, the nextBioShockgame will be in development at Cloud Chamber “for the next several years.” That likely implies that the newBioShockgame is only just going into full production, or may still be churning in pre-production. The studio announcement is perhaps a move to help bring in more talented development as the team grows into production.
It would be a big surprise, and isn’t likely at all, that the newBioShockgame is only just beginning pre-production. After all,rumors about 2K working on a newBioShockgamewith a new in-house studio have been spreading for some time. There’s also the fact that studio head Kelley Gilmore’s LinkedIn profile says that she’s been working as the head of a new 2K studio since January 2018. ThisBioShockgame has been worked on for awhile, it seems. It just needs quite awhile longer.
BioShockfans have long-awaited a continuation of the franchise. The originalBioShockis regarded as one of the best games of its generation, if not one of the best games ever released.BioShock Infiniteis an instant classic in its own regard, building on and expanding the ideas shared in the original title in incredible ways. One of the protagonists, Elizabeth, could easily be seen as one of gaming’s best characters.Ken Levine’s decision to shut down hisBioShockstudio may have put things on pause, but fans (and apparently 2K) aren’t ready to say goodbye toBioShockyet.
Cloud Chamber’sBioShockis planned for release in several years and has no confirmed platforms.
