Report: 2K executives disapprove of BioShock 4, sequel fails internal assessment

BioShock 4 is getting reworked as executive management disapproves of the game's direction, Bloomberg reports.

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2K Games isn't happy with the new BioShock game. The project has been in production for over 10 years, and is being developed by 2K studio Cloud Chamber. That's a long development cycle, and on top of that, the BioShock project failed an internal review with 2K Games bigwigs. Bloomberg's Jason Schreier reports that 2K execs have issues with the game's storyline, and higher-ups decided a shake-up was in order; studio head Kelley Gilmore has been pushed out.

Parent company Take-Two has also decided to cancel a new BioShock remake project that had been in simultaneous development with BioShock 4.

The publisher delivered the following statement to Bloomberg:

"We are working hard to set BioShock up for the best possible future. Right now, we have a good game, but we are committed to delivering a great one. We are working closely with leadership at the studio to define this path."

Not much is known about the new BioShock game. Rumors from years ago said that BioShock 4 could be set in 1960s Antarctica.

Job listings also suggest BioShock 4 may feature an open, systemic world of next-level AI, complete with a highly reactive, emergent environments.

Here's everything we knew about BioShock back then, but things probably have changed.

• Built with Unreal Engine 4 (may switch to UE5)
• Being made for next-gen consoles, but could also release on current-gen PS4/Xbox One consoles
• High-reactive, emergent sandbox world
• FPS combat
• Focus on experimentation and ingenuity
• Narrative systems-driven experience
• Dialog system (possibly multiple choice)
• "High ambitions for tying AI and storytelling together"
• "We are making amazing game mechanics and systems, with standard-setting player feel and responsiveness with AAA presentation"