New Bioshock Is Reportedly Being Overhauled, Accompanied By Dev Studio Leadership Reshuffle

As the report goes, 2K Games specifically had issues with the game’s narrative, determining that it will need revamping over the coming months. Additionally, Cloud Chamber studio head Kelley Gilmore has now been “ousted” as part of this change, on top of creative director Hogarth de la Plante being moved to a publishing role. This may not be the last organization shuffle either, as Bloomberg’s sources claim Cloud Chamber staff were told at a recent all-hands meeting that “the company needs to become more agile and efficient”—language that often creates concern for layoffs. 

A 2K spokesperson confirmed the leadership changes to Bloomberg, emphasizing that the publisher wants to ensure the next Bioshock can meet the “lofty expectations of our fans.” A statement by 2K said that “right now, we have a good game, but we are committed to delivering a great one. We are working closely with leadership at the studio to define this path.” Notably, details of which narrative elements are scarce, although not unexpected given how hush-hush 2K has been about this game up until now.

First confirmed back in 2019, the next Bioshock will be the first new entry since Bioshock Infinite was released over a decade ago in 2013, not including 2014’s Burial at Sea DLC and the bundle of remastered versions released in 2016. Canada-based Cloud Chamber was created in 2019 with Kelley Gilmore, who already had over two decades of industry experience that was mostly spent at Civilization studio Firaxis, heading the then-new studio. At the time, she was also the first woman to lead a development studio under 2K Games. While the 2019 announcement was clear to state fans of Bioshock shouldn’t expect the game to come anytime soon, this recent overhaul does not make a release date seem any closer to materializing.