2K has launched Small Axe Studios, an AAA growth group based mostly in Vancouver, Canada.
Underneath Aaron McHardy’s management, the studio is creating 2K’s subsequent sports activities franchise and recruiting for key positions.
McHardy serves as head of studio, vp, and govt producer.
The management group contains Gary Paterson (head of design), Tom Pan (head of operations), Mike Thompson (head of engineering), Brent Breedveld (animation director), Karl Gryc (artwork director), John Cruz (technical artwork director), and Trisha MacWan (head of HR).
McHardy beforehand led the EA Sports activities FIFA group for 15 years, till 2021. Different EA veterans on the management group are Paterson, Pan, Thompson, and Cruz.
Small Axe originated from 2K Sports activities Lab, established in 2023, which centered on analysis and growth for future sports activities interactive leisure video games.
“The studio combines the fervour of a startup with the dimensions of 2K to redefine the way forward for sports activities video video games,” said 2K.
“By leveraging our confirmed experience with AAA franchises like NBA 2K, WWE 2K and PGA Tour 2K, Small Axe Studios has the final word basis and long-term dedication to just do that.”
McHardy added: “This studio exists to tackle the trade’s boldest challenges, and our title displays that: with imaginative and prescient, starvation, and focus, a small axe can take down an enormous tree.”
“I could not be prouder of the group we have already assembled – or extra excited for what’s forward.”