BioShock Remake quietly shelved by 2K amid ongoing BioShock 4 development struggles

In a disappointing turn of events, the return of the iconic BioShock franchise in the form of a remake has been ‘shelved.’ The news comes from Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier, who reported that a remake of the original 2007 BioShock game had quietly been suspended by 2K Games earlier in 2025.

This comes amid troubling news regarding developmental updates on BioShock 4, which has reportedly been in development for over a decade. According to Schreier’s sources, who spoke anonymously due to a possible NDA, the remake was supposed to close the narrative gap between 2013’s BioShock Infinite and the upcoming BioShock 4. Unfortunately, 2K Games decided to place the project on indefinite hold behind closed doors.

The original BioShock was released on August 21, 2007, and is regarded as one of the best narrative-driven FPS classics. The game introduced us to the underwater city of Rapture. It blended RPG mechanics via Plasmids and reinvented the FPS genre with a punchy storyline. 

A possible remake could have utilized high-resolution textures, high-polygon Splicers, Big Daddies, and more, along with ray tracing, which would have brought Rapture back to life, allowing a new generation of gamers to enjoy the definitive BioShock experience.

While BioShock did receive a remaster back in 2016 as a part of BioShock: The Collection, fans still expressed grievances, as a potential remake could’ve breathed new life into the franchise and given fans something to enjoy until BioShock 4 comes along. Fans further stated that a BioShock remake would’ve been absolutely incredible; Rapture is practically made for ray-traced visuals.

The BioShock franchise, spanning three titles: BioShock 2007, BioShock 2, and BioShock Infinite, has sold over 43 million copies worldwide, with BioShock Infinite shipping 11 million copies alone. 

Meanwhile, BioShock 4 has reportedly been in development limbo since 2019 at Cloud Chamber. The game’s development cycle has been marred with significant roadblocks, with no announcement or tentative release date on the horizon.

History seems to be repeating itself, as BioShock Infinite’s internal development also went through the rounds. Earlier, Bioshock Infinite teased gameplay elements like Elizabeth’s alternative timeline tears, altered world details, and plot points involving Comstock, Columbia, and the Vox Populi were entirely scrapped.

While fans won’t be getting a BioShock remake, there’s still some hope for the franchise with BioShock 4’s ongoing development.