The next BioShock game, widely known as BioShock 4, has reportedly been pushed further back from its last internal release window of “late 2026 or early 2027,” due to layoffs affecting its developer, Cloud Chamber. This marks the latest setback suffered by BioShock 4, which has been in development hell for several years.
For a title that was first confirmed in 2019, BioShock 4 has had little notable activity to reassure series fans of its progress. There have been reports of the IP owner, 2K, shuffling through multiple studios and project heads for the game over the years. Such significant movements behind the scenes have prolonged the sequel’s development, which sources reveal to have already taken a decade’s worth of time. Earlier in August, another major leadership shake-up was unearthed, which led to BioShock 4 bringing Rod Fergusson on board after Kelley Gilmore’s exit. Importantly, this change coincided with layoffs at Cloud Chamber.
BioShock 4 May Not Be Coming Out Before Mid-2027
In a Bloomberg report, the BioShock 4 studio was revealed to have let go of over 80 employees, or a third of its workforce of around 250 people. Notably, it was shared that the repercussions of the move would further delay the sequel, which the devs previously expected to ship by the end of 2026 or the beginning of 2027. Per the source, 2K President David Ismailer internally announced that the restructuring was done to double down on reshaping “certain aspects that are core to a BioShock game” and to provide “more time” for the game’s development. On the bright side, the note also mentioned that the next chapter in the BioShock franchise was coming along well when it came to “foundational gameplay elements.”
Ironically, the latest twist in this tale came around the time when rumors emerged about a potential BioShock 4 reveal taking place in the near future. Such an unexpected turn of events could be seen as a reflection of the long-anticipated game’s development, which has been shrouded in mystery for a long time.
Undoubtedly, the news of yet another delay is disheartening for BioShock fans, who haven’t seen a new entry since 2013’s BioShock Infinite. However, the appointment of Fergusson, who has worked on Gears of War and Diablo, as well as BioShock Infinite in the past, could be seen as a silver lining for the sequel’s future. Thanks to the veteran’s reputation of being a “closer,” work on BioShock 4 might finally be on the right track for launch.
