2K Games has announced the opening of new studio. And its first project is a brand new game in the acclaimed Bioshock franchise.
Cloud Chamber is based in San Francisco and Montréal, and is pitched by 2K as being a “collective of storytellers eager to push the frontlines of interactive entertainment.” The first game to be developed by Cloud Chamber is the next game in the Bioshock series. No pressure then.
Speaking about the project, 2K president David Ismailer says:
“BioShock is one of the most beloved, critically praised and highest-rated franchises of the last console generation. We can’t wait to see where its powerful narrative and iconic, first-person shooter gameplay head in the future with our new studio team at Cloud Chamber leading the charge.”
Kelley Gilmore – who has worked at Civilization developer Firaxis for 22 years – will lead the studio from San Francisco. Gilmore, who is the first female studio head in 2K’s history, says:
“We founded Cloud Chamber to create yet-to-be-discovered worlds – and their stories within – that push the boundaries of what is possible in the video game medium. Our team believes in the beauty and strength of diversity, in both the makeup of the studio and the nature of its thinking. We are a deeply experienced group of game makers, including many responsible for BioShock’s principal creation, advancement and longstanding notoriety, and honored to be part of the 2K family as stewards of this iconic franchise.”
Ken Schachter takes the role of Studio Manager for the Montréal office, having previously served as GM for Zynga in Toronto.
Don’t expect to see the new Bioshock game anytime soon, however. In a press statement, 2K says it will be “in development for the next several years.”
Cloud Chamber’s website has also launched, and lists a number of open roles in design, engineering and animation.
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