In a significant shift within the gaming industry, Rod Fergusson has taken the helm as studio head at Cloud Chamber, the creative force behind the BioShock franchise. This transition comes in the wake of an internal review that led to the departure of former studio head Kelley Filmore and creative director Hogarth de la Plante, who has since transitioned to a publishing role.
Leadership Changes Amid Restructuring
According to Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier, the studio is also facing an undisclosed number of layoffs, although parent company 2K Games has yet to file a WARN notice with the state of California. Fergusson steps into this role after leaving Blizzard Entertainment in August, where he had been instrumental in the development of Diablo 4 since 2020. His prior experience includes a notable tenure at The Coalition, the studio behind the Gears of War series, as well as a significant role at Irrational Games, where he contributed to the completion of BioShock Infinite in 2013.
In a heartfelt message on LinkedIn, Fergusson expressed his enthusiasm for returning to 2K and leading the BioShock franchise, which holds personal significance for him. He stated, “Shipping BioShock Infinite, over 12 years ago, was a pivotal moment in my career as a leader. And while I’m excited for my return to the iconic series, alongside some familiar faces, I recognise the studio restructuring is a difficult time for the team.”
Fergusson’s commitment to the team is evident as he acknowledges their hard work over the years on the upcoming BioShock title. He aims to build upon their efforts to deliver a game that not only meets the high expectations of the franchise but also resonates with players. Additionally, he will oversee franchise extensions, including a forthcoming Netflix movie adaptation.
