2K announced the next iteration of the acclaimed BioShock franchise, will be in development for the next several years. Thanks to the founding of Cloud Chamber, 2Kโs its newest development studio.
Cloud Chamber will build its team at two locations: 2Kโs San Francisco Bay Area headquarters in Novato, Calif., as well as in Montrรฉal, Quรฉbec, which marks the first-ever Canadian office for a 2K studio.
โAs we continue growing our product portfolio, we remain inspired by opportunities to invest further in our valuable IP, great people and their collective, long-term potential,โ said David Ismailer, President of 2K. โBioShock is one of the most beloved, critically praised and highest-rated franchises of the last console generation*. We canโt wait to see where its powerful narrative and iconic, first-person shooter gameplay head in the future with our new studio team at Cloud Chamber leading the charge.โ
A 22-year industry veteran with more than 40 games shipped to date, Kelley Gilmore will serve as Cloud Chamberโs Global Studio Head and be the first woman in 2K history to lead a development studio. Her wealth of experience transcends executive production, marketing direction and public relations management, including nearly two decades of service to another of 2Kโs wholly-owned studios, Firaxis Games, on franchises such as Sid Meierโs Civilization and XCOM. Her role is based in Novato.
โWe founded Cloud Chamber to create yet-to-be-discovered worlds โ and their stories within โ that push the boundaries of what is possible in the video game medium,โ said Kelley Gilmore, Global Studio Head, Cloud Chamber. โOur team believes in the beauty and strength of diversity, in both the makeup of the studio and the nature of its thinking. We are a deeply experienced group of game makers, including many responsible for BioShockโs principal creation, advancement and longstanding notoriety, and honored to be part of the 2K family as stewards of this iconic franchise.โ
Gilmore has tapped Ken Schachter to be Cloud Chamberโs Studio Manager in Montrรฉal. An executive with extensive experience in development, production, technology and creative roles, Schachter will also be an ambassador for both the studio and 2K in establishing a significant Company presence in Montrรฉal. Prior to joining 2K, Schachter served as General Manager for Zynga in Toronto, as well as founded independent game developer and publisher Trapdoor. He has also held notable positions with companies such as Gameloft, Autodesk and more.
Cloud Chamberโs decision to open a new office in Montrรฉal was supported by the Gouvernement du Quรฉbec and Montrรฉal International.
Cloud Chamber will join the Companyโs family of wholly-owned development teams, including Visual Concepts, Firaxis Games, Hangar 13, Cat Daddy Games and 2K Silicon Valley. Those interested in pursuing career opportunities with the new studio may visit the Cloud Chamber website or 2K Careers for more information.
For more information on 2K, visit www.2k.com
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