Recent leaks have given a sad update on called BioShock Isolation, with Oops Leaks' artwork further backing up the Antarctic setting rumors) is "still haunted by the curse of problematic development" and is in "development hell."

This is despite a complete change in development leadership recently, and the project being rebooted for the fourth time in 2022. The troubled BioShock 4 has been long-awaited, with the series' last entry coming in 2013 as BioShock Infinite.

BioShock 4 Faced External Complications And A High Staff Turnover

Little Sisters In Bioshock

According to Oops Leaks, BioShock 4's development has been affected by complications such as the COVID-19 pandemic and Quebec's Bill 96. As a result of these external factors and a "highly disorganized" work structure, there has reportedly been a very high staff turnover, with "numerous contract workers whose tasks are then redone by less qualified specialists."

BioShock 4 Has Already Changed Several Times

Bioshock's Big Daddy against an Antarctic Sci-Fi city, inspired by the Bioshock 4/Bioshock Isolation leaks
Custom Image by Glenn Bunn

As stated by Oops Leaks, BioShock 4 has already faced several challenges. The project has been through several iterations, starting at developer Certain Affinity before moving to the then-pre-established Cloud Chamber in 2017. Between these developers, BioShock 4 has seen changes in location since it was originally codenamed Parkside - between 2017 and 2019, BioShock 4 was expected to feature twin cities, before ultimately settling on the currently rumored sci-fi Antarctic locale.

Apparently, the narrative team is facing the biggest challenges. According to Oops Leaks, they have been "unable to write a script worthy of a renowned franchise" over these years. This became a key factor in BioShock 4's reboot last year, and Cloud Chamber hired Ghost of Tsushima writer Liz Albl to take over the franchise and lead the team.

While this news is a huge disappointment to those who were hoping to play BioShock 4 any time soon, Cloud Chamber's parent company, Take-Two, had an investor call that indicated that they are still planning to ship it within 2025's financial year. Given the reboot last year this would normally seem like a reasonable window, but with the update on the development situation from Oops Leaks, this is unlikely to be the case.

Source: Oops Leaks/Twitter