One of the world’s biggest video game publishers is launching a brand-new Vancouver studio, which is indirectly connected to Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA).
The publisher, 2K, is behind some of the biggest money-making franchises in the industry, like NBA 2K and the Borderlands series.
Take-Two is the parent company of 2K and Rockstar Games, which is the developer of GTA.
The news was officially unveiled by 2K on Aug. 13 in a LinkedIn post, and the new studio has been coined Small Axe Studios.
While the studio isn’t sharing exactly what it’ll be working on yet, a 2K spokesperson did provide some insight into its role.
“As part of our commitment to investing in new IP and growing our sports portfolio, we are thrilled to confirm that Small Axe Studios will endeavor to build 2K’s next blockbuster sports franchise. Led by Aaron McHardy, the studio combines the passion of a startup with the scale of 2K to redefine the future of sports video games. We look forward to sharing more about what they’re working on in the future.”
It sounds like the studio has some very ambitious goals.
“By combining the hunger of a startup with the power of a global gaming giant, we are here to redefine the future of sports video games. To achieve our ambitious goals, we’ve intentionally assembled a world-class team whose passion for sport mirrors the rich diversity and distinctiveness of global fandom,” says a blurb on the studio’s website.
McHardy previously worked at EA Sports, working on franchises like FIFA, which is now called FC.
Gary Peterson, the head of design, also worked with EA previously, specifically on titles like NBA Street, NBA Live, and Need for Speed with Criterion.
The new studio has also posted some jobs, with some paying over $200,000, like the gameplay design director position.