2K Games (2K) has launched a brand new game studio that will be in charge of the next BioShock game.

The new studio is called Cloud Chamber, to be based out of 2K's two locations: San Francisco in the United States, and 2K's first ever Canadian office in Montréal. The studio is owned entirely by 2K.

Cloud Chamber has already started work on the next BioShock game, which is expected to spend several years in development, according to 2K.

“BioShock is one of the most beloved, critically praised and highest-rated franchises of the last console generation*. We can't 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,” says 2K president David Ismailer.

Cloud Chamber's global studios will be fronted by 22-year industry vet Kelley Gilmore, who is also the first woman in 2K's history to lead a development studio.

“We founded Cloud Chamber to create yet-to-be-discovered worlds – and their stories within – that push the boundaries of what is possible in the video game medium,” says Gilmore.

 “Our 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 BioShock's principal creation, advancement and longstanding notoriety, and honoured to be part of the 2K family as stewards of this iconic franchise.

Gilmore brings nearly two decades of service to another of 2K's wholly owned studios, Firaxis Games, on franchises such as Sid Meier's Civilization and XCOM.

Gilmore has also selected Ken Schachter to be Cloud Chamber's Studio Manager in Montréal, Canada.

He has 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 Montréal.

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 Chamber will join the Company's family of wholly owned development teams, including Visual Concepts, Firaxis Games, Hangar 13, Cat Daddy Games and 2K Silicon Valley.