2K Games has announced the formation of Small Axe Studios, a new developer that it says will be focused on building a new “blockbuster” sports franchise. While the publisher–which is owned by Take-Two Interactive–has commented which sport will be joining its other franchises, it looks like 2K might be taking on EA’s annual soccer series, EA Sports FC.
Currently, Small Axe Studios includes several former EA developers, with Aaron McHardy as studio head. McHardy had previously been in charge of EA’s FIFA franchise for 15 years, and other notable names include Gary Peterson as Small Axe’s head of design, Tom Pan as head of operations, technical art director John Cruz, and engineering lead Mike Thompson–all EA veterans.
