Gore Verbinski has told Variety.com his pet project, BioShock, based on the 2K Games videogame of the same name (funny that) has hit a budget roadblock, halting the production until an arrangement can be made between Verbinski (whose production company is partnering for the flick) and Universal Pictures who aggressively pursued rights to the license from Take-Two Interactive last year.

"We were asked by Universal to move the film outside the US to take advantage of a tax credit," he told the site. "We are evaluating whether this is something we want to do. In the meantime, the film is in a holding pattern."

Apparently the budget as it stands is in excess of $160 million, which is the price tag that prompted the studio to step in and wave a flag of concern. However, both parties (Verbinski and Universal) are stating BioShock will not become another Halo.