Game-to-film translations begin with an uphill battle to, well, not suck. Universal Studios’ adaptation of Bioshockhttp://www.gamertell.com/gaming/tag/bioshock/ has hit some major stumbling blocks, including a change in director.

The movie treatment of the hit Take-Two game was initially to be helmed by Gore Verbinski, director of the Pirates of the Caribbean films. Variety reports that Verbinski stepped down because budget concerns led Universal to move filming abroad to help cut costs through tax credits and favorable exchange rates. Verbinski couldn’t commit to an overseas shooting schedule because of another project although he will remain on as a producer.

By now, we’ve all heard the news that Pirates of the Caribbean director Gore Verbinski will direct the big-screen adaptation of thoughtful underwater shooter Bioshock. We’ve already extolled the virtues of the game and it’s filmic possibilities elsewhere, so right now, let’s focus on the man himself. Is Verbinski up to the challenge of making one of the most fully realized game worlds (and cleverest narratives) come to life? Or are we destined for yet another lame game movie night? We check out the director’s earlier film work, his statements on the adaptation, and his gamer cred to make a long-term prognosis.