2K Games announced today that it has reached an agreement for BioShock, the universally acclaimed smash-hit video game, to be developed as a feature film by Universal Pictures.

The prospect of bringing this blockbuster game to life has attracted not only a major studio, but top Hollywood talent. Gore Verbinski, director of the Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy, is slated to direct and produce the BioShock movie. John Logan, Academy Award-nominated writer of Gladiator, The Aviator and Sweeney Todd, is in talks to do the screenplay.

The expected release date and terms of the agreement have not been released yet.

BioShock is one of the most successful new interactive entertainment franchises to launch in recent years. A critical and consumer hit, BioShock has sold more than 2 million units worldwide since its release in August 2007. The combination of completely original gameplay, characters, story, and weapons has made it a smash hit.  A sequel to the game, BioShock 2, is planned for a release in 2009.

"We are excited that 2K Games’ vision for BioShock will be carried forward in a new medium," said Strauss Zelnick, Chairman of Take-Two. "BioShock has been hailed as one of the most highly cinematic and richly plotted titles in interactive entertainment, making it extremely well-suited to film. In partnering with Universal and Gore Verbinski, we have assembled a team that respects the uniqueness of BioShock and will translate it into a powerful movie experience."

Christoph Hartmann, President of 2K Games, noted, "BioShock fans appreciate the depth and complexity of the game, and our partnership with Gore Verbinski will introduce the world of Rapture to an even wider audience. In addition to his impressive body of work, Gore is an avid video gamer and true fan of BioShock. That was extremely important to us in deciding to move forward with this project."

Opinion:  I personally do NOT want to see this come to the big screen.  Almost every movie made from a video game has failed to capture the true essence of the game.  I can see this ending up just like Doom.  What made it a GREAT (and incredibly scary) video game was conveniently left out of the movie for fear of controversy (all the major demonic/satanic references).  Is there going to be anything in this movie about the Little Sisters and the choice to save or kill them in this movie?  Doubt it.  They are going to cut everyting out that made this game so crazy, insane, and unforgettable just to make a crappy movie out of it.  Thumbs down!!!