The acclaimed BioShock series, with its three existing installments, is currently seeing a fourth game in development. This new entry, which we`ll refer to as BioShock 4 until an official title is revealed, marks a significant departure from its predecessors. Notably, series creator Ken Levine is not involved in this new project. Instead, development is being handled by a completely new studio, Cloud Chamber.
Recent reports on August 1 indicate that BioShock 4 faced a `failed` internal review, leading to the reported `ousting` of studio head Kelley Gilmore. Additionally, a remake of the first BioShock game was reportedly canceled earlier this year.
Table of Contents
- When will BioShock 4 be released?
- Preordering BioShock 4
- BioShock 4 Trailer Information
- BioShock 4 Platforms
- BioShock 4 Story, Setting, and Characters
- BioShock 4 Game Engine
- Who is Developing BioShock 4?
- Significant Development Changes
- Ken Levine`s Non-Involvement
- The BioShock Movie
When Will BioShock 4 Be Released?
The new BioShock game was officially announced in December 2019, but 2K provided no specific release date or window at the time, stating it would be in development for `the next several years.` As of 2025, there have been no significant updates regarding its launch. Take-Two, 2K`s parent company, has expressed strong confidence in its upcoming lineup, including BioShock, which is one of 13 franchises with individual titles selling over 5 million units. The entire BioShock series has collectively sold more than 43 million copies, and every game in the franchise has received at least one `perfect` review score.
Preordering BioShock 4
BioShock 4 is not yet available for preorder. Based on previous series entries, fans can likely anticipate a standard edition along with several special editions once preorders become available.
BioShock 4 Trailer Information
As of now, there is no official trailer for BioShock 4, nor any indication of when one might be released. While game publishers often unveil trailers during summer game showcases, there have been no teasers or announcements hinting at any forthcoming BioShock reveals.
BioShock 4 Platforms
Specific platforms for BioShock 4 have not been announced. However, it is highly probable that the game will be released on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox consoles, following the multiplatform trend of recent BioShock titles (the original was Xbox and PC exclusive, but subsequent games broadened their reach).
BioShock 4 Story, Setting, and Characters
The BioShock series is renowned for its compelling narratives, often incorporating philosophical themes inspired by figures like Ayn Rand and George Orwell. The initial two games were set in the submerged city of Rapture, while BioShock Infinite transported players to the airborne metropolis of Columbia. Each installment featured a distinct protagonist. Currently, no details regarding BioShock 4`s setting, story, or characters have been revealed.
BioShock 4 Game Engine
While the game engine for BioShock 4 has not been officially confirmed, job listings at developer Cloud Chamber indicate the use of Unreal Engine 5. This is the latest version of Epic Games` development engine, and previous BioShock titles also utilized Unreal.
Who is Developing BioShock 4?
Unlike previous BioShock games developed by 2K Boston, 2K Marin, and Irrational Games, BioShock 4 is being created by Cloud Chamber, a brand-new 2K studio with no prior game releases. Cloud Chamber describes itself as 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 operates with offices in San Francisco and Montreal, both overseen by global studio head Kelley Gilmore. Gilmore brings extensive experience in game development and publishing, with prior work on 2K`s Civilization and XCOM franchises. She stated, “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.” Gilmore emphasized the studio`s belief in diversity and highlighted that the team includes many experienced game makers, some of whom were integral to BioShock`s original creation and success. Ken Schachter, formerly general manager for Zynga in Toronto, leads the Montreal team.
Significant Development Changes
On August 1, reports emerged suggesting that Kelley Gilmore was `ousted` from her role following a `failed` internal review of BioShock 4 by 2K Games executives. Specifically, the narrative elements of the game were cited as needing significant re-work. Concurrently, it was reported that a planned remake of the original BioShock was canceled earlier this year.
Ken Levine`s Non-Involvement
Ken Levine, the creator of the BioShock series, confirmed in 2022 that he is “not involved at all” with BioShock 4, similar to his absence from BioShock 2. He expressed his desire to avoid “half measures,” stating, “I wish them the best. I know as much about the game as anybody else, essentially. And I`ll play it as a player when it comes out.”
Following the release of BioShock Infinite in 2013, Irrational Games was significantly downsized and rebranded as Ghost Story Games, now led by Levine. This new team is developing Judas, a procedurally generated roguelite game. Levine clarified, “We call it pseudo-procedural because it`s not like Minecraft where everything`s being generated off a set of pure mathematical heuristics. You build all these smaller piece elements in the game and then you teach the game how to make good levels essentially, and good story, and most importantly, reactive to what you do.”
The BioShock Movie
Beyond the new game, Netflix is actively producing a BioShock movie, with Francis Lawrence, director of “The Hunger Games,” attached to the project. Despite undergoing significant changes due to internal shifts at Netflix, the film remains in development. Actor Jack Quaid (“The Boys”) recently expressed his interest in being part of the movie.