BioShock 2 in development at 2K Games' newest studio?

  • By TomM_GScom, GameSpot
  • Posted Nov 30, 2007 11:35 am PT

Source: Notorious industry-info-leaking blog Surfer Girl Reviews Star Wars, following up on a job listing on developer-oriented news site Gamasutra. What we heard: 2K Boston's BioShock has proved to be both a critical and financial hit for Take-Two. Not a month after the PC and Xbox 360 shooter...

Source: Notorious industry-info-leaking blog Surfer Girl Reviews Star Wars, following up on a job listing on developer-oriented news site Gamasutra.

What we heard: 2K Boston's BioShock has proved to be both a critical and financial hit for Take-Two. Not a month after the PC and Xbox 360 shooter debuted to glowing reviews, Take-Two Interactive chairman Strauss Zelnick boasted that more than 1.5 million copies of the game had been shipped to retailers and coyly stated that the property was being considered as a potential new franchise.

Although a continuation of the series seems all but assured, it appears that Ken Levine's 2K Boston and 2K Australia crew--nee Irrational Games--won't be on development duties for the game. Pointing to a recent job posting on developer-oriented news site Gamasutra, notorious industry-info leaker Surfer Girl notes that 2K Games is hiring for a lead animator at its newly established studio in the San Francisco area, 2K Marin.

Although the current text seems innocuous enough, the wondrous technology that is Google cache reveals that the studio will be populated by BioShock alums. "Some of the creators of the award-winning BioShock are starting up a new studio in the Bay Area and are looking for a Lead Animator," reads the original job request. Notably, the job listing also sees a "fine art background" as being a plus, reminiscent of the much-lauded art deco style of BioShock's city under the sea, Rapture.

Citing her gossamer sources, Surfer Girl's explanation for the new studio indicates that internal drama was one contributing factor in the formation of 2K Marin. "2K Boston is still recovering--a good chunk of the BioShock team did not want to work with Ken ever again, and 2K definitely understood the sentiment and let them set up a new studio so that they can make Bioshock 2, leaving Ken with Project X," she said. "A good chunk of the other senior 2K Boston people who were sick of Ken but didn't move to San Francisco ended up scattering to other AAA developers instead. [At 2K Australia], they're essentially rebuilding a team from almost scratch again."

As for Levine and company, Surfer Girl states that she has confirmed with one of 2K Marin's new staffers that the mysterious Project X will be set in the X-Com universe. "Project X is a new X-Com title, as previously reported by the Internet, and this post has been confirmed by one who left for San Francisco," she says. Take-Two acquired the rights to the classic tactical sci-fi franchise from Atari in 2005, after the series lay dormant following the less-than-spectacular X-Com: Enforcer in 2001. X-Com: UFO Defense, the original game in the series released in 1993, is widely heralded as one of the greatest games ever made and has been inducted into GameSpot's own Greatest Games of All Time.

The original job listing clearly indicated that 2K Marin is being staffed by BioShock alum. It is also worth noting that 2K Australia's Web site clearly indicates the studio has moved on to other projects. "We had an incredible run with BioShock, and we're looking forward to the years ahead when we bring you bigger and even better titles," reads the studio's landing page.

The official story: Take-Two had not returned requests for comment as of press time.

Bogus or not bogus?: Not bogus that 2K Marin is picking up the BioShock franchise. Entirely plausible that 2K Boston is working on an X-Com sequel. No comment on the office drama.

262 Comments

  • patrickncompany

    Posted Aug 20, 2008 2:36 am PT

    its true

  • DiscGuru101

    Posted Aug 19, 2008 10:01 pm PT

    @blaskowicz: I could love it uber retro like Bionic Commando Remarmed. I could also love it totally revamped. As long as it remains 3rd person and captures that same mysterious vibe.

  • NoLimitJay1

    Posted Aug 19, 2008 4:06 pm PT

    This is one of my favorite games of all time. If a new one or REmake style remake came out, I would die of happiness.

  • blaskowicz

    Posted Aug 19, 2008 2:41 pm PT

    The X-Com bit on this article is what really called my attention. I hope they don't try to mix X-Com with "retro" concepts as it made the third game really lame looking. Even though Bioshock is a great game, retro is not my thing.

  • cathorse

    Posted Mar 13, 2008 1:57 pm PT

    I CANT wait for Bioshock 2!!!!
    I don`t normaly like FPS but i loved Bioshock. I agree - Change the story. A Rerun of the first Bioshock would be unpopular with fans.

  • Kiriyama12

    Posted Jan 8, 2008 12:56 am PT

    That will be great! i can't wait! =D

  • Germany-Xbox

    Posted Jan 6, 2008 12:05 pm PT

    GooooooooooooooooooooooooD

    BioShock only PC,x360

    nice

  • PodXCOM

    Posted Dec 17, 2007 11:35 pm PT

    I just hope to the gods they do NOT use Dave Ellis to make the next X-COM game!

    Dave Ellis is the guy who made that awful ""x-com"" Interceptor game, and help to kill off X-COM.

  • Gamer-Gen

    Posted Dec 15, 2007 11:47 am PT

    I fear without Ken's creative direction, the sequel may be a little lackluster but it's far too early to make snap judgments yet. I can understand Ken might be the sort of guy that some may find hard to work with, and no offense to him, he's a great writer. They already have the foundations set, its just a matter of integrating on that and bringing us another high-quality game that focuses on the same elements of incredible immersion, an engaging storyline, great action and high-production values by artistic and technical standards. Bringing new ideas to the table couldn't hurt either, I feel they have a lot pressure in giving us another incredibly satisfying, immersive masterpiece that lives up to gamers now higher expectations.

  • AvatarofRage

    Posted Dec 14, 2007 12:11 am PT

    For BS2, Most credible storyline I can see them picking up is that technology from Rapture ends up getting 'leaked' to the surface(Either Jack, Jack's corpse, a splicer or a Little Sister), would be best with a new protagonist, but with Jack appearing as either a side character, and/or a boss.

    It would be good to see BS2 show a place that, instead of BS1 was essentially the aftermath of a mass social degradation, instead shows a place that is undergoing a mass social degeneration,
    then you can actually have citizens rioting, administrative forces trying to beat them back and whatnot

  • fumpert22

    Posted Dec 4, 2007 3:44 pm PT

    But wait, if you get the best ending you see jack on his deathbed but there could have been another adventure there .... in his life

  • fumpert22

    Posted Dec 4, 2007 3:43 pm PT

    But wait, if you get the best ending you see jack on his deathbed but there could have been another adventure there

  • killjoi

    Posted Dec 4, 2007 10:21 am PT

    New...Xcom...that might not...suck........can't...contain...joy....ack!

  • HellRazer360

    Posted Dec 4, 2007 6:04 am PT

    they better be making a bioshock 2...i dont have a happy xbox 360 without bioshock in the disc tray

  • speed45823

    Posted Dec 3, 2007 11:37 pm PT

    well, BIoshock 2 has a potential for develoing a new storyline. At the end of the "Bad ending" of bioshock where all the splicers escaped from underwater, Bioshock 2 can take over, maybe leave Repture and unfold the surface world in 1960's (or was it 40's?). The splicers may evolve and wrack havoc as a sign of grudge while our unknown hero would be there to save the day. Think about it, maybe we'll be able to explore a whole new world where it could make or break depending on the player's choice. That could be a potential storyline.

  • XanderZane

    Posted Dec 3, 2007 4:28 pm PT

    Excellent!! I can't wait for a sequel to this great game. After the huge sales, it was a given that there would be a sequel.

  • Manks_21

    Posted Dec 3, 2007 4:10 pm PT

    Bioshock 2 would be great. I loved the first one.

  • sickboy84

    Posted Dec 3, 2007 2:30 pm PT

    thats awesome, cant wait

  • ztron370

    Posted Dec 3, 2007 12:18 pm PT

    Bioshock was good but it was short so they need to make a longer version of the next Bioshock.

  • Get_Shorty

    Posted Dec 3, 2007 10:04 am PT

    What about BioShock on the PS3 first?

  • qiwihead

    Posted Dec 3, 2007 9:38 am PT

    Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't X-Com a turn-based strategy game, not a real-time game like the article states?

  • erdalbibo

    Posted Dec 3, 2007 9:34 am PT

    maybe we can play as a slicer maybe the beginning of rapture, can be good. bioshock is the best game ever.

  • FTB_Screamer

    Posted Dec 3, 2007 6:19 am PT

    Bioshock was great, but 2K's support sucks. It's been three months and the first patch hasn't been released yet. I wont be supporting them in the future.

  • sivasiva

    Posted Dec 3, 2007 12:46 am PT

    If there is really a bioshock 2 game, i would be looking forward to it.

  • GammaShard

    Posted Dec 2, 2007 10:21 pm PT

    BIoshock should just be a single game no point really in a sequel.

  • MindlessTeef

    Posted Dec 2, 2007 10:01 pm PT

    X-COM!? Another Bioshock sounds good and all, but X-COM!!! They better stick to the original concept!!

  • ThickFreak

    Posted Dec 2, 2007 8:35 pm PT

    Don't go to any CNet websites on Monday, including GameSpot!! Get back Jeff!!!

  • Joker580

    Posted Dec 2, 2007 7:40 pm PT

    just like basically everyone else that has played it, i see nowhere that Bioshock 2 could go for a sequel (unless it was like something where you were a little sister which would end up turning out like crap), so i'm guessing they go into a preequel during when Rapture is in the process of being built

  • iseeundead

    Posted Dec 2, 2007 5:33 pm PT

    so sweet

  • jericho180

    Posted Dec 2, 2007 4:26 pm PT

    man bioshock rocks. maybe it will be outside and in the world insted of under the sea because if the ending of bioshock when splicers realeased into world.

  • Assassin-Ninja

    Posted Dec 2, 2007 4:11 pm PT

    good, i love Bioshock, as long as the Big Daddy's are still in it i'll buy it.

  • TheZeppoo0

    Posted Dec 2, 2007 3:17 pm PT

    funny you mention office drama...

  • gordanfreeman53

    Posted Dec 2, 2007 2:59 pm PT

    I hope they are developing a sequel to Bioshock

  • deadshot-1

    Posted Dec 2, 2007 2:51 pm PT

    I hope the story, will be as exciting as the first Bioshock.

  • greyholiday

    Posted Dec 2, 2007 2:16 pm PT

    Don't get me wrong, but they're gonna screw X-Com up. There's nothing to improve upon really, besides graphics.

    Never been anything more intense in gaming for me than raiding a Tasoth scout ship in TFTD. If they real-time it, it's gonna die as we know it. I don't think I've seen a game use lighting as well as the first two x-com games. But anyway, this game will be made to as broad a spectrum possible, as all games are these days, so expect a squad based tactical FPS with research and base management.

    However, change isn't always bad, it could be a good thing

    (I'm aware my icon makes me look like an x-com geek)

  • StrangeBreww

    Posted Dec 2, 2007 1:49 pm PT

    Even if it is true the game won't be out for a long long time, but I wouldn't be suprised if it was true considering the game was so good.

  • lemec78

    Posted Dec 2, 2007 1:22 pm PT

    I CANT BELIEVE THAT NO ONE IS TALKING ABOUT HOW IDIOTIC IT WAS TO FIRE JEFF GERSTMANN. AND THE REASONS, IT COMPLETLY DESTROYS GAMESPOT'S CREDIBILITY. LETS ALL GO FIND A SITE THAT REVIEWS GAMES BASED ON A GAMES MERIT, AND NOT ON HOW MUCH A COMPANY PAYS THEM IN ADVERTISING!
    RISE UP AND QUIT GAMESPOT, AND LETS FOLLOW JEFF WHEREVER HE ENDS UP!
    BOO TO GAMESPOT!

  • Brain_Plug

    Posted Dec 2, 2007 12:51 pm PT

    damn it... i was actually hoping they would leave bioshock in all its glory... so it would be always remembered as an awesome GAME... not franchise.

    they better not add any multiplayer, and they better make it completley diffrent.... i do NOT want to play a direct sequal.

    Bioshock was awesome, if EA messes the game up... im gonna be hella pissed

  • LeviHarris

    Posted Dec 2, 2007 12:16 pm PT

    I don't necessarily agree that bioshock needs a sequel, but on a kind of unrelated note, how are all these dumb non-gaming publications (yahoo, newsweek, time) naming the top ten games of the year and not include this one...?! Seriously, this is THE GAME OF THE YEAR, bottom line. Nothing else on the 360, wii, or Ps3 compares...MAYBE Mario Galaxy, but that's the same game as the N64 with a fresh coat of paint and a new art direction. Hopefully Gamespot will give this game its due credit. wink, wink.

  • Sam_Fisher_932

    Posted Dec 2, 2007 11:33 am PT

    Cool, I can't wait to see what kind of new plasmids they will have.

  • KaH-LenS

    Posted Dec 2, 2007 11:31 am PT

    Great, just hope the rumor will be true.......BioShock was a good game and a sequel could be awesome.......

    Let's cross our fingers !!!

  • trystkl1826

    Posted Dec 2, 2007 11:14 am PT

    I think if this is true, that there i a BioShock 2 in the making, whatever the writers decide to do will be awesome. BioShock did and is doing exceptionally well. Part 2 will bring in the same or better revenue.

  • sparticusjoe

    Posted Dec 2, 2007 9:58 am PT

    I think Bioshock 2 should be more like FarCry 2, in that it's the same mechanics and style, only with a differant story. It seems to me that Rapture, a city that was going to crap in the first place, was destroyed at the end of bioshock. Not sure how they could revisit Rapture.

  • lemec78

    Posted Dec 2, 2007 9:06 am PT

    SO WHY ARE ANY OF YOU STILL HERE? AFTER WHAT HAPPENED TO JEFF THIS SITE IS COMPLETLY COMPRIMISED, BOO TO GAMESPOT!

  • masternorris

    Posted Dec 2, 2007 9:01 am PT

    eh i dont really know how you could make a sequel out of this game i would rather see something new even though i did enjoy bioshock. but maybe itll work

  • dcmdream

    Posted Dec 2, 2007 8:40 am PT

    Bioshock sucked...boring, bad graphics. Wave Race for the N64 had better water effects.

  • MarcusFenix715

    Posted Dec 2, 2007 8:28 am PT

    yeah for you people who want bioshock two. explain this to me. if you beat the game got the good ending and actually watched it. HOW IN GODS NAME CAN YOU MAKE A BIOSHOCK TWO!? unless it was a prequel which it becomes a horror survival game when atlas and company took over. i do not want to see a sequel. i have a feeling it will kill the BS series because this game does not need a series its one game has a conclusive ending. it makes no sense why Take two would even somewhat announce this i hope its false. take it from me i loved bioshock i was watching it develop since 06 i dotn want to hear omg your n00b for not wanting another BS i had the LE down since the day you could preorder it. i just dont think if they do do a sequel it will be as sucessful as the first because of the ending. unless they do a prequel and set up the story right. this game is story driven if they dont have a good story i dont think it will succeed. thats my $.02

  • The_Weekend

    Posted Dec 2, 2007 7:33 am PT

    something else please ... i think bioshock is good as it is alone!

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