Take-Two Interactive has opened a new Vancouver-based studio, Small Axe Studios, staffed with EA Sports FC and FIFA veterans, as it aims to 'redefine the future' of sports video games. The studio is led by Aaron McHardy, a former executive producer at EA Vancouver who worked on EA Sports FC, Madden, and EA College Football over nearly 18 years.
Small Axe Studios' Ambition
According to a LinkedIn post, Small Axe Studios is building 2K's 'next blockbuster sports franchise,' combining 'the passion of a startup with the scale of 2K to redefine the future of sports video games.' McHardy added: 'This studio exists to take on the industry's boldest challenges, and our name reflects that: with vision, hunger, and focus, a small axe can take down a big tree.'
The studio's team includes head of design Gary Paterson, who previously worked on EA Sports FC/FIFA, FIFA Manager, and FIFA Street, and head of operations Tom Pan, who last served as Group Development Director at EA on FIFA games. The studio's logo resembles a football club badge, and many developers have football game history, though no specific sport has been confirmed.
Potential Football Rivalry
EA Sports FC has dominated the football sim market since Pro Evolution Soccer's decline and EA's rebrand after refusing to pay for the FIFA name. Since FIFA ended its partnership with EA in 2023, it has licensed its name to other projects, including the mobile app FIFA Heroes and FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition for Netflix, though the latter's developer Defactor Games has since had 85% of its workforce cut and funding pulled.
Take-Two has been rumoured to be in talks with FIFA about a new football game. CEO Strauss Zelnick downplayed the idea in 2024, noting: 'I would just note with regards to the FIFA license, it does not bring along with it rights; it doesn't come along with players, teams, or leagues.' He added that competing in the 'straight ahead sim environment for soccer' would require addressing more than one brand license.
It remains unclear whether 2K has secured a FIFA partnership or is developing a competitor independently. Given the studio's recent announcement, any rival game is likely years away. EA Sports FC 27 is scheduled to launch on September 25, 2026.
