2K creates new studio formed by FIFA veterans to develop a new sports franchise

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2K has announced the creation of Small Axe Studios, a new AAA development studio based in Vancouver, Canada, focused on developing the company’s next major sports franchise. The studio is staffed by several Electronic Arts veterans, including professionals who previously worked on the FIFA franchise. Aaron McHardy will lead Small Axe Studios as Vice President, Executive Producer, and Head. McHardy spent over 15 years with the team responsible for FIFA before leaving EA in 2021, and he also has experience with other major sports franchises from EA. Gary Peterson, Design Director at Small Axe, is another key member, having worked on various titles in the FIFA series since FIFA 06.

Small Axe Studios was formed with the objective to “tackle the industry’s boldest challenges,” according to 2K. The studio’s name references the concept that a small axe can fell a large tree through vision, hunger, and focus. In 2019 or earlier, as implied by comments made by Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick in 2021, 2K had explored the possibility of acquiring the FIFA license from EA. Small Axe Studios is Take-Two’s second new studio announced within a one-year period; the company hired two developers from the canceled Perfect Dark reboot to establish a separate team in December 2025. Small Axe Studios plans to share more details about its projects and release dates in the future. The team also includes veterans like Tom Pan, Head of Operations; Mike Thompson, Engineering Lead; and John Cruz, Technical Art Director, each with approximately two decades of experience at 2K Sports.

Small Axe Studios evolved from 2K Sports Lab, a project initiated in 2023 by 2K to explore the development of a new sports franchise. This initiative has now been established as its own AAA studio, tasked with expanding 2K’s sports portfolio. The company stated in a press release, “As part of our commitment to invest in new IPs and expand our sports roster, we are thrilled to confirm that Small Axe Studios will work on building the next major sports franchise for 2K.” Although 2K has not officially confirmed which sport the new project will address, indications point towards football. Promotional material from Small Axe features an emblem resembling those used by football clubs, and the presence of numerous FIFA veterans makes this a particularly intriguing possibility. However, 2K has not yet officially confirmed that the title will be a football game.

Small Axe Studios Aims to Challenge EA Sports FC with New Football Franchise

Should Small Axe Studios develop a new football game, 2K would enter direct competition with EA Sports FC, the successor to FIFA following Electronic Arts’ split from the entity that administers World Football. FIFA 23 was the last EA title to officially carry the FIFA brand before the series adopted the name EA Sports FC. The potential for a new 2K football franchise is significant, given the company’s established presence in the sports market with NBA 2K, WWE 2K, and PGA Tour 2K. Currently, 2K lacks a major football property comparable to EA Sports FC within its lineup.