Publisher 2K is increasingly targeting the sports games market: new development studio Small Ax Studios has launched in Vancouver. The team is comprised of top industry veterans who have played key roles in EA’s FIFA series for many years.
Publisher 2K is positioning itself for the future of the sports gaming genre. The company announced the official launch of Small Ax Studios in Vancouver, Canada. The studio is an official extension of 2K Sports Lab’s research division, which was launched in 2023.
The new development team’s goal is to create a new, high-profile sports gaming brand that fundamentally redefines the genre.
The level of management at the new studio is particularly indicative of the publisher’s ambitious plans. Aaron McHardy (Studio Head), former Vice President and Executive Producer, has been with Electronic Arts for approximately 18 years. There, he worked on the FIFA series for a long time and later on games like Madden NFL and College Football before moving to 2K in 2023.
Gary Paterson (Design Director) is a key figure in the FIFA franchise, including serving as Creative Director of FIFA Street. Senior positions in operations (Tom Pan), engineering (Mike Thompson), and technical artist (John Cruz) are also held by former EA Sports employees.
2K is currently keeping the content of Small Ax Studios’ first sports title under wraps. However, industry speculation about a football match is intense. In addition to Vancouver, where EA Sports FC has traditionally been developed, the studio’s logo is in the style of a classic club crest, also indicating a football project.
Ever since EA split from world football association FIFA, fans have been looking for a true replacement for EA Sports FC. The publisher will reveal later whether 2K is planning to make an official FIFA game with FIFA’s support or is building its own brand.
