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One of the most beloved single-player series in video game history is running into a massive issue. The latest “BioShock” revival game has run into myriad issues, including the script having to be reworked.
Now, it has been announced that Cloud Chamber, the studio under the 2K umbrella that is developing the new title, is currently experiencing a round of layoffs. Considering the revival game was already in trouble, this could spell more trouble.
Variety reported on the news of the layoffs, including a statement from 2K Games president David Ismailer to staffers. The statement reads:
“Work on the next BioShock game has been underway for several years. While we’re excited about the foundational gameplay elements of the project, we’ve made the decision with studio leadership to rework certain aspects that are core to a BioShock game, and in doing so are reducing the size of the development team to focus on this work and give the game more time in development.”
Kelley Gilmore was also let go following the development issues for the BioShock game, and has since been replaced by Rod Fergusson.
“As Head of the BioShock Franchise, Rod will lead Cloud Chamber and oversee the development of the next BioShock game, as well as franchise extensions including our film partnership with Netflix. We will share more about Rod’s onboarding and how these changes will take shape in the coming days and weeks. Rod and I worked together 10+ years ago and I am grateful he has chosen to return to lead our BioShock efforts,” Ismailer said of Fergusson.
There has not been a BioShock title in over a decade, as the prequel, “BioShock Infinite,” was released back in 2013. Despite a collection being released in 2016, there has been no movement on a new game set in the universe until recently.
Interesting, there are still plans for a “BioShock” movie for Netflix, being helmed by director Francis Lawrence. Lawrence spoke on progress for the movie back in March.
“It’s a tricky adaptation, so there’s lots of things to figure out and to get right,” Lawrence said. “There’s regime changes at Netflix, and so things stall out and get re-energized and stall out and get re-energized, and I think we’re in a pretty good place, honestly.”
Hopefully, Cloud Chamber can continue with a smaller staff.
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