A new BioShock title is in the works as a new studio, Cloud Chamber, is formed to take a hold of the beloved BioShock franchise
It has been one long stint of time since we saw the likes of a new BioShock. I am talking a fully new on as it has been over six years since we last had a full entry into the franchise. Now we have word of a wholly new studio, Cloud Chamber, being formed by 2K Games to bring us all a new title to the franchise. Sadly, this does mean that we have another long stint to wait for a new BioShock title as it is still years in the making according to the announcement we have here too. We get to at least look forward to it at some point. That is, unless, we are being led to believe that right now and we will have something more substantial with the quickness.
I really do wish we had more to share here for a fully new BioShock title, but this is what we have here and just barely a look at the logo for the new studio. A studio that is still hiring for its two locations that are out there, so it could take even longer to finally get this BioShock title. It looks like the rumors of the original creator’s studio doing it were nothing more than that. This does mean that we could see a whole lot more of the new blood pumped into the IP to keep it feeling fresh and original. We have that to look forward to at the very least.
Cloud Chamber — Logo
2K Announces Newly-Formed Studio Cloud Chamber, Developing Next Iteration In Acclaimed BioShock Franchise
2K 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 launch and 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.
How excited are you to hear that there is officially a new BioShock title in the works and from this new studio? Do you think we will see anything soon for the game or will it be a few more years before we even have an official title? Do you suspect that they were waiting to be on the newer consoles with this title or does it just line up that way by coincidence? Let us all know down in the comments and then feel free to discuss. When we have more to share for anything BioShock, we will share it all here. Be sure to keep checking back in for all of that and much more.