2K Games, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, has reached an agreement with Universal Pictures to turn its hit game Bioshock into a movie.

The game, about an underwater utopia gone wrong, will be brought to life by Pirates of the Caribbean director, Gore Verbinski, who is slated to direct and produce the movie.

"Gore is an avid video gamer and true fan of BioShock", said Christoph Hartmann, president of 2K Games. "That was extremely important to us in deciding to move forward with this project."

John Logan, Academy Award-nominated writer of Gladiator, The Aviator and Sweeney Todd, is in talks to do the screenplay.

Developed by 2K Games, BioShock is one of the most successful new interactive entertainment franchises to launch in recent years. A hit with critics and gamers alike, BioShock has sold more than 2 million units worldwide since its release for Xbox 360 in August 2007. 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.

"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."

The expected release date and terms of the agreement were not disclosed.