The highly anticipated fourth installment in 2K`s BioShock series is currently in development. This new entry marks a significant departure from its predecessors, most notably by not involving series creator Ken Levine. We will refer to this upcoming title as “BioShock 4” until an official name is revealed by 2K.
Beyond Levine`s absence, BioShock 4 is being crafted by an entirely new studio, Cloud Chamber. Recent reports on August 1 indicated that BioShock 4 faced a “failed” internal review, which reportedly led to the “ousting” of Cloud Chamber`s studio head. Additionally, a remake of the original BioShock game was reportedly canceled earlier this year.
When to Expect BioShock 4`s Release
Announced in December 2019, 2K confirmed only the game`s existence, stating it would be in development for “the next several years.” As of 2025, no substantial updates regarding a release date or window have been provided. Take-Two, 2K`s parent company, expresses strong confidence in the BioShock franchise, noting its success with over 43 million copies sold across the series and every individual title receiving at least one “perfect” review score.
Pre-order Availability and Trailer Information
BioShock 4 is not yet available for pre-order. Following the pattern of previous BioShock titles, fans can likely anticipate standard and multiple special editions upon release. Similarly, there is no trailer for BioShock 4, nor any indication of when one might be unveiled. Despite the typical summer game showcases, no reveals or teases for the game have emerged yet.
Anticipated Platforms
Official platform details for BioShock 4 remain unannounced. However, it is highly probable that the game will launch on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox consoles, aligning with the multiplatform release strategy of previous BioShock games (though the original debuted exclusively on Xbox and PC).
Story, Setting, and Characters
The BioShock series is renowned for its deep narratives, often intertwining philosophical themes from figures like Ayn Rand and George Orwell. While the first two games immersed players in the underwater city of Rapture and BioShock Infinite soared into the airborne city of Columbia, each with different protagonists, there are currently no details regarding the setting, story, or characters for BioShock 4.
Game Engine
Although the specific game engine for BioShock 4 has not been officially declared, job listings at developer Cloud Chamber frequently mention Unreal Engine 5. Given that prior BioShock titles also utilized the Unreal engine, this suggests the newest iteration of Epic`s powerful game development tool will likely power the upcoming game.
The Developer Behind BioShock 4
BioShock 4 is being developed by Cloud Chamber, a newly formed 2K studio with no prior game releases. Unlike previous BioShock games developed by 2K Boston, 2K Marin, and Irrational Games, Cloud Chamber is described 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 studios were previously overseen by global studio head Kelley Gilmore, who possesses extensive experience in game development and publishing, including work on 2K`s Civilization and XCOM franchises. However, as noted earlier, recent reports indicate Gilmore`s departure following a critical review of BioShock 4`s narrative elements by 2K Games executives. Ken Schachter, formerly general manager for Zynga Toronto, leads the Montreal team.
Ken Levine`s Non-Involvement
Series creator Ken Levine, who was also not involved in BioShock 2, has confirmed his complete detachment from BioShock 4. In 2022, he stated, “I don`t want to do half measures. I never want to be half in half out. 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.”
Levine is currently leading Ghost Story Games, a studio formed after Irrational Games downsized post-BioShock Infinite. His team is developing Judas, a “pseudo-procedural roguelite” where game elements and story are designed to react dynamically to player actions, differentiating it from purely mathematical generation.
The BioShock Movie Adaptation
In addition to the new game, Netflix is producing a BioShock film. Francis Lawrence, known for directing The Hunger Games, has been tapped to direct. Despite internal changes at Netflix impacting various projects, the BioShock movie remains in active development. Actor Jack Quaid (from The Boys) has publicly expressed his desire to be cast in the film.