BioShock Studio Cloud Chamber Undergoes Layoffs, Appoints Rod Fergusson New BioShock Head

2K Games is reducing the workforce at BioShock studio Cloud Chamber as it works on "revising" its upcoming new BioShock title.

Rod Fergusson, former head of Gears of War and lead for the Diablo franchise, has been appointed as leader of BioShock and Cloud Chamber at 2K. Fergusson left Blizzard earlier this month without explanation regarding his departure or potential replacement.

This information was revealed in an email sent by 2K president David Ismailer to employees and later shared with IGN. The message stated, in part:

Development on the next BioShock game has been ongoing for several years. While we are pleased with the base gameplay features of this project, we have decided, along with studio leadership, to revise key aspects that define a BioShock title. As a result, we are reducing the size of the development team to concentrate on this work and allow more time for the game's creation.

Those affected by these changes are being notified today. 2K has not disclosed the number of employees impacted.

"I understand that today brings mixed feelings," the email concludes. "We are excited to welcome Rod, and we are equally thankful to all at Cloud Chamber who have contributed so far. These changes stem from 2K’s strong belief in BioShock as one of the most cherished franchises, and our dedication to delivering the best game in its history."

BioShock 4 was first mentioned in 2018, with limited updates since then. It has been developed at Cloud Chamber at least since that time, and former BioShock lead Ken Levine is not involved. We have yet to see any gameplay or learn much beyond the fact that it takes place in a new setting and is an open-world game. Earlier this month, a Bloomberg report indicated the game would undergo a major development shift after executives criticized its story elements. When asked about this a week later, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick confirmed BioShock 4 will be released but did not provide details on when or what steps are needed to achieve that."