2K Sports Launches Small Axe Studios in Vancouver Led by Former EA Producer
2K Sports has established Small Axe Studios in Vancouver under the leadership of Aaron McHardy, a former EA executive producer who spent 17 years on sports games. The studio will develop a new AAA sports franchise for 2K, building on the earlier 2K Sports Lab project. McHardy aims to combine startup energy with 2K's scale to reshape the future of sports gaming.
2K Sports has announced the formation of a new studio, Small Axe, led by Aaron McHardy, the former executive producer of EA's FIFA franchise. The studio will be based in Vancouver, which also houses the headquarters of EA Sports FC. McHardy spent 17 years working on sports game development at EA before leaving in 2023, when he held the position of executive producer.
In a statement, McHardy said that launching Small Axe Studios with 2K aims to create 2K's next AAA sports title. 2K noted that the studio originated from the 2K Sports Lab project from several years ago, blending the passion of a startup with 2K's scale, with the goal of redefining the future of sports video games. The studio's website recruiting page mentions "building a player-centric excellence experience from scratch."
By way of background, EA's FIFA series—now renamed EA Sports FC—has long competed with Konami's Pro Evolution Soccer series, but EA held the advantage. Konami released its successor, eFootball, in 2021 and continues to develop the series.
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