BioShock 4 Release Delayed Indefinitely

BioShock 4 will eventually be released, according to Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick, though only when the team is completely happy with the final product. Read on for details about the recent events contributing to the delay.

BioShock 4 Is Still a Long Way From Being a "Great" Game, But It Will Launch Eventually

Leadership Changes and Potential Overhaul

BioShock 4 remains in development, and there is no indication it will wrap up this year—especially following recent leadership changes and rumored "narrative overhaul." Despite concerning updates, Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Take-Two Interactive (the parent company of BioShock publisher 2K Games), told IGN, "It will be released. That I can say hand on heart, without question."

Bloomberg's Jason Schreier reported on August 2, 2025, that 2K Games studio head Kelley Gilmore was replaced and creative director Hogarth de la Plante shifted to a publishing role. According to sources familiar with the matter, senior executives made the abrupt changes due to dissatisfaction with BioShock 4’s current state.

Schreier also noted that BioShock 4 didn’t pass an internal executive review at 2K Games, requiring a full "revamp." Insiders indicated the narrative needed a complete rework. Keep in mind this comes from anonymous sources; neither 2K Games nor Take-Two Interactive has officially confirmed it. Schreier did reach out to the company for comment.

In their response, a representative stated, "We're working hard to ensure BioShock has the brightest possible future. Currently, we have a good game, but we're dedicated to making it great. We're collaborating closely with studio leadership to achieve that goal."

A 2K Games spokesperson confirmed the leadership changes and emphasized the company is "fully committed to delivering a BioShock game that surpasses fans' high expectations."

A few days later, IGN asked Strauss Zelnick whether BioShock 4 would be canceled. Zelnick responded, "It’s going to come out. That I can say hand on heart, without question."

Zelnick acknowledged development has been challenging, with numerous reasons contributing to the lengthy timeline.

"We’ve had some ups and downs along the way," he explained. "That’s accurate. We’ve also experienced changes in studio leadership. That said, we have big shoes to fill given Ken Levine’s legacy and the huge success of previous BioShock titles. We need this experience to stay true to the BioShock DNA while also taking a massive step forward. That is always tough. We believe we’re up to the challenge, but it hasn’t been seamless."

BioShock 4 was first announced on December 9, 2019, by publisher 2K Games. No gameplay footage has been publicly released. The previous title, BioShock Infinite, launched in 2013.

Although the franchise boasts a loyal and passionate fan base, the extended gap between releases and lack of new content have made it hard for fans to feel excited about the mysterious fourth installment. Many believed BioShock was "done" and that a new game would struggle to add value to an 18-year-old series.

Now that fans are aware BioShock 4 may face a "narrative overhaul," it's clear the game won't be arriving anytime soon.