A Remake That Will Never Surface
Over a decade since BioShock Infinite (2013), fans have been eager for a return to the haunting, philosophical worlds that defined the franchise. A full remake of the original BioShock was once quietly in development, with plans to update the visuals and gameplay while preserving its iconic dystopian tone.
However, according to a recent report by Bloomberg and journalist Jason Schreier, the project was scrapped earlier this year, just months before the 20th anniversary of the original game. The studio behind the remake has not been publicly named, but sources say the cancellation occurred despite significant internal excitement surrounding the project.
The remake was envisioned as a gateway to reintroduce BioShock to a new generation of players. Its cancellation not only disappoints fans but also raises questions about 2K’s current vision for the franchise.
New Entry Deemed Below Standards
Even more concerning is the state of the upcoming mainline entry, which has been under development at Cloud Chamber—a studio founded specifically to carry on the legacy of BioShock creator Ken Levine’s Irrational Games. Despite being in development for over five years, the game reportedly failed to pass a recent internal review by 2K Games.
Narrative shortcomings appear to be the core issue. Unlike the franchise’s legacy of layered, philosophical storytelling and shocking plot twists, the current project is being criticized as lacking depth and direction, with major rewrites now required.
The situation has led to major leadership changes: Studio head Kelley Gilmore and creative director Hogarth de la Plante have been removed from the project as 2K undertakes a leadership restructure in hopes of redirecting development.
2K Reaffirms Commitment—But Delays Loom
Despite the setbacks, 2K insists that it remains committed to the BioShock franchise. In a statement, the publisher affirmed: “We have a good game, but that’s not enough. Our goal is to deliver a great game—one that meets the high expectations of fans and welcomes a new generation of players.”
While reassuring on paper, the challenges ahead are significant. With the remake gone, leadership reshuffled, and the narrative being reworked, the road to BioShock’s return will likely take several more years—if it ever reaches the surface.
A Dark Horizon for a Legendary Series
Once hailed as one of the most groundbreaking franchises in gaming history, BioShock now finds itself adrift. As other classics like Resident Evil, Dead Space, and Final Fantasy enjoy successful revivals, BioShock remains stuck in development limbo.
With BioShock Infinite nearing its 12th anniversary, and the original BioShock turning 18, time is running out for 2K to reignite interest in the series. Without bold changes, BioShock risks fading into obscurity—a tragic fate for a series that once redefined what storytelling in video games could be.