2K Games has initiated a restructuring of Cloud Chamber — the studio developing the next BioShock — confirming staff reductions and announcing new leadership for the franchise. Employees were notified of the changes in an email from 2K President David Ismailer on Tuesday; the publisher shared that message with Polygon.
The sequel to BioShock Infinite and the creation of Cloud Chamber were revealed in 2019, but the project has reportedly encountered development difficulties at the studio’s Novato, California and Montréal, Québec locations. A recent internal review of the untitled BioShock follow-up prompted senior executives to request significant revisions. Bloomberg covered the review and its implications.
Those required changes will bring layoffs alongside a leadership change. Rod Fergusson — who most recently departed Blizzard Entertainment after leading the Diablo franchise and who previously contributed to BioShock Infinite and the Gears of War series — will take on the role of head of the BioShock franchise at 2K.
In his note to staff, Ismailer said the team is enthusiastic about the project’s core gameplay, but that 2K and studio leadership decided to rework certain elements fundamental to a BioShock title. To focus on that rework and extend development time, the studio is reducing the size of the team.
Ismailer also explained that Fergusson will “lead Cloud Chamber and oversee the development of the next BioShock game, as well as franchise extensions, including our film partnership with Netflix.” He added that more details on Fergusson’s onboarding and the implementation of these changes will be communicated in the coming days and weeks, and noted he and Fergusson worked together more than a decade ago.
Below is a rewritten summary of Ismailer’s message to Cloud Chamber employees.
Team —
BioShock is a cornerstone of 2K’s history. It’s one of our most cherished franchises, and preserving its legacy while meeting player expectations is essential for its future.
Work on the next BioShock has been ongoing for several years. While there are promising foundational gameplay elements, studio and company leadership have agreed to revisit certain creative pillars that define a BioShock experience. To enable that rework and give the project the time it needs, we are reducing the size of the development team.
I recognize how difficult this news is. If your position is affected, your manager or studio leadership will reach out with information about severance, career services, and support resources. There’s no easy way to do this, but we will strive to help those impacted through the transition. Thank you for your dedication and hard work.
I also want to share an important leadership update: after an extensive search, Rod Fergusson will lead Cloud Chamber as Head of the BioShock Franchise. Rod brings a long track record of both critical and commercial success, including work on BioShock Infinite, the Gears of War franchise, and Blizzard’s Diablo titles. He rejoins us from Blizzard, where he served as GM of the Diablo franchise and oversaw the launch of Diablo IV.
As Head of the BioShock Franchise, Rod will guide Cloud Chamber and supervise the development of the next game, as well as broader franchise initiatives — including our film partnership with Netflix. We will share more about Rod’s onboarding and how these changes will roll out in the coming days and weeks. I’m grateful Rod has chosen to return to lead our BioShock efforts.
I know today brings mixed emotions — we’re excited about Rod joining the team and deeply appreciative of everyone at Cloud Chamber who has brought us to this point. These decisions reflect 2K’s confidence in BioShock and our commitment to deliver the best possible game in franchise history.
— David
During his tenure at Blizzard, Fergusson helped shepherd Diablo II: Resurrected, Diablo Immortal, Diablo IV, and the Diablo IV expansion Vessel of Hatred. He joined Blizzard in 2020 after leaving The Coalition, where he played a senior role on Gears 5.
Fergusson has developed a reputation as a project “closer” — a manager known for steering troubled titles across the finish line. Reporters and industry profiles have highlighted that reputation, noting his role in completing long-troubled projects like Diablo IV. Earlier in his career he stepped into several high-profile development rescues, including time spent helping deliver Gears of War sequels and guiding BioShock Infinite to release. VG247 profiled Fergusson’s closer reputation, and other outlets have detailed his track record on challenging projects.
Source: Polygon
