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2K launches new studio to build its ‘next blockbuster sports franchise’

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Why This Matters

The launch of Small Axe Studios marks 2K's strategic move into the competitive sports gaming market, potentially challenging established franchises like EA Sports FC. This development signals increased investment and innovation in sports video games, offering consumers new and diverse gaming experiences. It also highlights the growing importance of dedicated studios focused on creating blockbuster titles in the industry.

Key Takeaways

is a senior reporter covering technology, gaming, and more. He joined The Verge in 2019 after nearly two years at Techmeme.

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2K is launching a new AAA game development studio, Small Axe Studios, with an ambitious goal: to build the company’s “next blockbuster sports franchise,” according to a LinkedIn post.

The post doesn’t explicitly say what sport this new game will focus on. But an image included in the post features what appears to be a mockup soccer badge, indicating that Small Axe might be making a soccer game that goes head-to-head with EA Sports FC. The Small Axe website also lists senior staffers with experience working on EA’s FIFA series (the former name of EA Sports FC), including studio head Aaron McHardy, who once led that franchise.

Small Axe was born from 2K Sports Lab, a project 2K announced in 2023. Whatever this new game is, it will add to 2K’s existing roster of games covering sports such as basketball (NBA 2K), wrestling (WWE 2K), and golf (PGA Tour 2K).