2K Opens Small Axe Studios in Vancouver to Build New Sports Franchise
The AAA sports developer grew out of 2K Sports Lab and is led by Aaron McHardy, who spent 15 years heading up EA Sports FIFA.
A New Studio With a Very Pointed Name
Sports games are about to get a new contender. 2K announced on August 14 that it has officially established Small Axe Studios, an AAA development team based in Vancouver, Canada. The studio is already building 2K’s next sports franchise and actively recruiting for key positions, according to reporting by GamesIndustry.biz.
The name is a deliberate statement. Head of studio Aaron McHardy explained the thinking in a statement included in the announcement: “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.”
That is not a subtle metaphor, given the company McHardy spent the previous decade and a half at.
The EA Sports Lineage
McHardy led the EA Sports FIFA team for 15 years before departing in 2021, making him one of the more recognizable names in sports game development. He is not the only one bringing that background to Vancouver. Four other members of the Small Axe leadership team also come from EA: Gary Paterson (head of design), Tom Pan (head of operations), Mike Thompson (head of engineering), and John Cruz (technical art director).
Rounding out the leadership group are Brent Breedveld as animation director, Karl Gryc as art director, and Trisha MacWan as head of HR.
That is a fairly seasoned crew for a studio still in its early days, and the depth of the bench suggests 2K has been quietly assembling this team for a while.
From Sports Lab to Full Studio
That quiet assembly makes sense once you know the backstory. Small Axe did not spring up overnight. It originated from 2K Sports Lab, which 2K established back in 2023 with a focus on research and development for future sports interactive entertainment. What started as an R&D operation has now graduated into a full development studio with a specific project on the horizon.
2K framed the new studio as a combination of startup energy and major publisher infrastructure. “The studio combines the passion of a startup with the scale of 2K to redefine the future of sports video games,” the company said in its announcement. 2K also pointed to its existing catalog, including NBA 2K, WWE 2K, and PGA Tour 2K, as evidence that Small Axe has a strong foundation to build from.
McHardy echoed that sense of momentum. “I couldn’t be prouder of the team we’ve already assembled, or more excited for what’s ahead.”
What Comes Next
The announcement is light on specifics about what the new sports franchise will actually be. No title, no genre details beyond “sports,” and no release window. For now, the studio is still hiring for key positions, which suggests the project is in relatively early stages.
What is clear is that 2K is making a long-term bet here. The company has a catalog of established sports properties, but the competitive sports game space has shifted significantly since McHardy left EA. FIFA became EA Sports FC, and the market for simulation sports titles continues to evolve. Positioning a dedicated Vancouver studio, led by someone who spent 15 years steering one of the genre’s biggest franchises, signals that 2K is not treating this as a side project.
The studio’s Vancouver home also places it in a well-established game development hub, which should help as hiring continues. What sport Small Axe ends up tackling first is the question worth watching.
What is Small Axe Studios?
Small Axe Studios is a new AAA sports game developer based in Vancouver, Canada, established by 2K. It grew out of 2K Sports Lab, which was founded in 2023 to research and develop future sports games.
Who leads Small Axe Studios?
Aaron McHardy serves as head of studio, vice president, and executive producer. He previously led the EA Sports FIFA team for 15 years, until 2021.
What game is Small Axe Studios making?
According to 2K, the studio is developing 2K's next sports franchise, though no specific title has been announced.
How does Small Axe Studios connect to 2K Sports Lab?
Small Axe Studios originated from 2K Sports Lab, which 2K established in 2023 to focus on research and development for future sports interactive entertainment games.