Take-Two CEO Says BioShock 4 Is Still Coming

BioShock 4 is still in development and will not be canceled, according to Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick. This comes after reports that the game failed an internal review, saw leadership changes at developer Cloud Chamber, and lost momentum due to other setbacks. Zelnick emphasized the project’s importance and reassured fans that the next BioShock entry is still on the way, though the path to release has been far from smooth.

Speaking to IGN, Zelnick addressed the situation directly.

"It's going to come out," he said. "That I can say hand on heart, without question... We don't talk about how long our development cycles are. We have had some ups and downs along the way. That is accurate. And we have had changes in studio leadership. That said, we have very big shoes to fill on BioShock because of the legacy of Ken Levine, the legacy of what has gone before, which has been so successful. And we need to make sure that this experience is true to the BioShock DNA on the one hand, and a massive step forward on the other hand. That's always challenging. We think we're up to the challenge, but it has not been seamless."

Cloud Chamber, the 2K Games studio tasked with BioShock 4, has faced significant changes. Bloomberg reported that the game’s story was one of the biggest concerns in its failed review, prompting a planned narrative overhaul. Studio head Kelley Gilmore was reportedly removed from her role, while creative director Hogarth de la Plante was reassigned to a publishing position. A company spokesperson confirmed the leadership changes and reiterated that Cloud Chamber currently has a “good game,” but the goal is to deliver “a great one.”

By the way, Zelnik recently also talked about his love for the chief of development of Borderlands 4. In particular, he emphasized that the price of the new Borderlands is justified. He also said that Pitchford is a truly great person for him, which is why he trusts him.

The same report revealed that a planned remake of the original BioShock was canceled earlier this year. The decision further fueled concerns about the future of the franchise, which has not seen a new game since 2013’s BioShock Infinite. Despite the setbacks, Zelnick’s comments make it clear that BioShock 4 remains a priority for Take-Two.

Cloud Chamber was established in 2019 specifically to work on BioShock 4. The studio describes itself as a collective of storytellers aiming to push the limits of interactive entertainment. It operates from offices in San Francisco and Montreal. This will be its first game, and while BioShock creator Ken Levine is not involved, he remains connected to Take-Two through his new project, Judas, which is still in development at Ghost Story Games.

In addition to the game, a BioShock movie is still in the works at Netflix, with Francis Lawrence set to direct and Justin Rhodes providing the latest script draft. While the film’s progress has been slow, it signals ongoing interest in the franchise beyond video games.

The BioShock series has sold over 43 million copies worldwide, making it one of Take-Two’s most successful franchises. Its reputation stems from its combination of atmospheric world-building, thought-provoking narratives, and distinctive gameplay. This legacy is one reason Zelnick says the development team feels the pressure to deliver something that both honors the past and pushes the series forward.

In our earlier coverage, we noted that after over a decade in hibernation, the BioShock franchise is finally preparing for a comeback. According to trusted insider Kurakasis, a major announcement tied to the series is expected before the end of this summer. Kurakasis has a strong reputation for accurate leaks based on trademark discoveries, with past reveals including Borderlands 4, Mafia: The Old Country, Final Fantasy XIV Mobile, Destiny Rising, The Blood of Dawnwalker, and several other unannounced titles. Zelnick’s confirmation today aligns with those earlier indications that BioShock’s return is imminent.

For now, no release date or gameplay showcase for BioShock 4 has been announced. With the narrative undergoing revisions and the studio adapting to new leadership, fans may be in for a longer wait. Still, Take-Two’s public stance suggests that the publisher is committed to seeing the project through rather than quietly shelving it, as has happened to other high-profile titles in the industry.

Given the size of the changes and the legacy of the series, BioShock 4’s eventual reveal will likely be a major moment for both the franchise and the broader gaming landscape. Until then, players will be watching for updates, especially with summer nearing its end and a potential announcement window approaching.