The next BioShock game, widely referred to as BioShock 4, has reportedly been pushed further back from its last internal release window of late 2026 or early 2027. The delay comes as a result of layoffs impacting its developer, Cloud Chamber, marking the latest setback in a project that has faced years of turbulent development.
For a title first confirmed in 2019, BioShock 4 has seen little tangible progress to reassure fans. Over the years, reports have surfaced of 2K Games shuffling studios, directors, and leadership behind the project. These frequent changes have stretched development into what now resembles a decade-long ordeal.
Earlier this month, another major shake-up took place when Rod Fergusson was brought on board after the exit of studio head Kelley Gilmore. The leadership change coincided with layoffs that significantly impacted Cloud Chamber’s workforce.
A recent Bloomberg report revealed that over 80 employees—around a third of the studio’s 250 staff—were let go. According to the report, 2K President David Ismailer informed employees that the restructuring aimed to refocus the project on “core BioShock elements” while granting the developers “more time” to refine the game. On a positive note, he assured that the sequel’s foundational gameplay systems are progressing well.
The delay is especially ironic, as rumors had recently suggested a possible BioShock 4 reveal was on the horizon. Instead, fans are left with yet another reminder of the game’s troubled development, which continues to be shrouded in uncertainty more than six years after its official announcement.
For now, players eager to return to the dystopian depths of BioShock will need to remain patient, as the sequel inches forward through a turbulent production cycle.