2K Games opens new studio Cloud Chamber to work on the next BioShock game

2K Games has announced the establishment of Cloud Chamber, a new, wholly owned game development studio under the company’s publishing label. Its first project is the next iteration of the BioShock franchise, “which will be in development for the next several years.”

Cloud Chamber will build its team in two locations: 2K Games’ San Francisco Bay Area headquarters in Novato, California, as well as in Montreal, Quebec, marking 2K Games’ first-ever Canadian studio.

“As we continue growing our product portfolio, we remain inspired by opportunities to invest further in our valuable IP, great people and their collective, long-term potential,” said 2K Games president David Ismailer in a press release. “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.”

Cloud Chamber’s global studio head is Kelley Gilmore, a 22-year industry veteran who has shipped more 40 games from and has spent nearly 20 years at 2K Games subsidiary Firaxis Games on franchises such as id Meier’s Civilization and XCOM. She will operate out of Novato.

“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,” said Gilmore. “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 Schacter will act as Cloud Chamber’s studio manager in Montreal, who has “extensive experience in development, production, technology and creative roles,” and previously served as the general manager for Zynga in Toronto, as well as founded independent game developer and publisher Trapdoor.

Cloud Chamber is currently hiring for more than 30 positions. Visit the studio’s official website for more information.