Cloud Chamber, the studio behind the long-awaited BioShock 4, is undergoing major internal changes. According to Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier, the developer has started laying off staff while bringing in a high-profile industry veteran to steer the project. 
Rod Fergusson, best known for his work on Gears of War, Diablo IV, and even stepping in late to rescue BioShock Infinite, has been appointed as the new studio head.
The move comes after reports earlier this month that BioShock 4 had failed an important milestone review with Take-Two, resulting in leadership shake-ups and internal restructuring. Kelley Gilmore, who previously led Cloud Chamber, has been reassigned to a publishing role, while Fergusson takes over during what looks to be a turbulent period.
Fergusson, often described as a “closer” who specializes in reviving troubled projects, shared his excitement on social media, noting that returning to the BioShock franchise is personally meaningful. He also acknowledged the challenges of joining a studio in the middle of layoffs, expressing gratitude to the team for their work so far and pledging to deliver a game that both developers and fans can be proud of.
Development on the next BioShock has been ongoing in various forms since around 2015, but frequent leadership shifts and missed targets have plagued progress. Despite the setbacks, Fergusson’s track record gives some renewed optimism. If anyone can pull BioShock 4 out of development limbo, it may be him.