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== History ==
== History ==
[[File:2K Logo.svg|right|thumb|2K's original logo]]
[[File:2K Logo.svg|right|thumb|2K's original logo]]
On January 24, 2005, [[Take-Two Interactive]] announced its acquisition of [[Visual Concepts]], the developer of [[sports video game]] series like ''[[NBA 2K]]'' and ''[[NHL 2K]]''. Take-Two paid [[Sega]] {{US$|24&nbsp;million}} for the studio, including its [[Kush Games]] subsidiary and the [[intellectual property]] of the ''2K'' series.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/sega-officially-out-of-the-sports-game/1100-6117016/ |title=Sega officially out of the sports game |first=Curt |last=Feldman |date=January 24, 2005 |website=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-date=October 14, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171014034622/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/sega-officially-out-of-the-sports-game/1100-6117016/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/01/25/take-two-buys-visual-concepts |title=Take Two Buys Visual Concepts |first=David |last=Adams |date=January 24, 2005 |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-date=June 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190602004045/https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/01/25/take-two-buys-visual-concepts |url-status=live}}</ref> On the following day, the company established the 2K publishing label, consisting of the sub-labels 2K Games and 2K Sports, with the latter focusing on sports games.<ref name="Kotaku: Terrible Decision">{{cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/a-terrible-decision-created-mlb-2k-but-it-also-brought-5912820 |title=A Terrible Decision Created ''MLB 2K''—But It Also Brought Us ''BioShock'' |first=Owen |last=Good |date=May 23, 2012 |website=[[Kotaku]] |access-date=August 27, 2019 |archive-date=August 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190827091015/https://kotaku.com/a-terrible-decision-created-mlb-2k-but-it-also-brought-5912820 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/01/25/take-two-opens-2k-games |title=Take-Two Opens 2K Games |first=Jon |last=Robinson |date=January 25, 2005 |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190816235628/https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/01/25/take-two-opens-2k-games |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/take-two-pitches-new-label-sports-high-on-the-agenda/1100-6117027/ |title=Take-Two pitches new label; sports high on the agenda |first=Beth |last=Winegarner |date=January 25, 2005 |website=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-date=February 18, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218024308/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/take-two-pitches-new-label-sports-high-on-the-agenda/1100-6117027/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Visual Concepts and Kush Games, alongside [[Indie Built]], [[Venom Games]], [[PopTop Software]], and [[Frog City Software]], became studios of the new label, which also absorbed the staff of [[Take-Two Licensing]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://gamasutra.com/view/news/95818/TakeTwo_Acquires_Visual_Concepts_Announces_2K_Games_Brand.php |title=Take-Two Acquires Visual Concepts, Announces 2K Games Brand |first=David |last=Jenkins |date=January 25, 2005 |website=[[Gamasutra]] |access-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190816235629/https://gamasutra.com/view/news/95818/TakeTwo_Acquires_Visual_Concepts_Announces_2K_Games_Brand.php |url-status=dead}}</ref> In January 2006, the administration and marketing portions of 2K's [[New York City]] offices were heavily damaged by a [[five-alarm fire]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/01/23/2k-games-office-damaged-in-fire |title=2K Games Office Damaged in Fire |first=David |last=Adams |date=January 23, 2006 |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190816235627/https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/01/23/2k-games-office-damaged-in-fire |url-status=live}}</ref> In June 2007, the company closed these offices and relocated to [[Novato, California]], bringing it closer to Visual Concepts.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/47449/2k-games-closes-nyc-office |title=2K Games Closes NYC Office, Heads West |first=Nick |last=Breckon |date=June 15, 2007 |website=[[Shacknews]] |access-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-date=February 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180204070416/http://www.shacknews.com/article/47449/2k-games-closes-nyc-office |url-status=live}}</ref> A third sub-label, 2K Play, was established with a focus on [[casual game]]s in September 2007, with Take-Two announcing a partnership with [[Nickelodeon]] for licensed games based on the latter's TV shows.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/09/10/take-two-plays-with-nickelodeon |title=Take-Two Plays with Nickelodeon |first=Daemon |last=Hatfield |date=September 10, 2007 |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190816235636/https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/09/10/take-two-plays-with-nickelodeon |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/nickelodeon-enters-agreement-with-new-2k-play-label |title=Nickelodeon enters agreement with new 2K Play label |first=Mark |last=Androvich |date=September 10, 2007 |website=[[GamesIndustry.biz]] |access-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190816235631/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/nickelodeon-enters-agreement-with-new-2k-play-label |url-status=live}}</ref> 2K Play therein also absorbed all assets of Take-Two's budget-range publisher [[Global Star Software]], including the studio [[Cat Daddy Games]], the game ''[[Carnival Games]]'', and games based on ''[[Deal or No Deal]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2007/09/take-two-partners-with-nickelodeon-launches-casual-game-label-2k-play/ |title=Take-Two partners with Nickelodeon, launches casual game label 2K Play |first=Ben |last=Kuchera |date=September 10, 2007 |website=[[Ars Technica]] |access-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-date=February 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180204070328/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2007/09/take-two-partners-with-nickelodeon-launches-casual-game-label-2k-play/ |url-status=live}}</ref> In January 2013, 2K obtained the rights to publish video games based on the [[professional wrestling]] company [[WWE]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/01/23/wwe-video-game-license-to-be-acquired-by-take-two |title=WWE Video Game License to be Acquired by Take Two |first=Richard |last=George |date=January 23, 2013 |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=January 26, 2013 |archive-date=January 26, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130126060249/http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/01/23/wwe-video-game-license-to-be-acquired-by-take-two |url-status=live}}</ref>
On January 24, 2005, [[Take-Two Interactive]] announced its acquisition of [[Visual Concepts]], the developer of [[sports video game]] series like ''[[NBA 2K]]'', ''[[NHL 2K]]'', and ''[[MLB 2K]]''. Take-Two paid [[Sega]] {{US$|24&nbsp;million}} for the studio, including its [[Kush Games]] subsidiary and the [[intellectual property]] of the ''2K'' series.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/sega-officially-out-of-the-sports-game/1100-6117016/ |title=Sega officially out of the sports game |first=Curt |last=Feldman |date=January 24, 2005 |website=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-date=October 14, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171014034622/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/sega-officially-out-of-the-sports-game/1100-6117016/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/01/25/take-two-buys-visual-concepts |title=Take Two Buys Visual Concepts |first=David |last=Adams |date=January 24, 2005 |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-date=June 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190602004045/https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/01/25/take-two-buys-visual-concepts |url-status=live}}</ref> On the following day, the company established the 2K publishing label, consisting of the sub-labels 2K Games and 2K Sports, with the latter focusing on sports games.<ref name="Kotaku: Terrible Decision">{{cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/a-terrible-decision-created-mlb-2k-but-it-also-brought-5912820 |title=A Terrible Decision Created ''MLB 2K''—But It Also Brought Us ''BioShock'' |first=Owen |last=Good |date=May 23, 2012 |website=[[Kotaku]] |access-date=August 27, 2019 |archive-date=August 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190827091015/https://kotaku.com/a-terrible-decision-created-mlb-2k-but-it-also-brought-5912820 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/01/25/take-two-opens-2k-games |title=Take-Two Opens 2K Games |first=Jon |last=Robinson |date=January 25, 2005 |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190816235628/https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/01/25/take-two-opens-2k-games |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/take-two-pitches-new-label-sports-high-on-the-agenda/1100-6117027/ |title=Take-Two pitches new label; sports high on the agenda |first=Beth |last=Winegarner |date=January 25, 2005 |website=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-date=February 18, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218024308/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/take-two-pitches-new-label-sports-high-on-the-agenda/1100-6117027/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Visual Concepts and Kush Games, alongside [[Indie Built]], [[Venom Games]], [[PopTop Software]], and [[Frog City Software]], became studios of the new label, which also absorbed the staff of [[Take-Two Licensing]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://gamasutra.com/view/news/95818/TakeTwo_Acquires_Visual_Concepts_Announces_2K_Games_Brand.php |title=Take-Two Acquires Visual Concepts, Announces 2K Games Brand |first=David |last=Jenkins |date=January 25, 2005 |website=[[Gamasutra]] |access-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190816235629/https://gamasutra.com/view/news/95818/TakeTwo_Acquires_Visual_Concepts_Announces_2K_Games_Brand.php |url-status=dead}}</ref> In January 2006, the administration and marketing portions of 2K's [[New York City]] offices were heavily damaged by a [[five-alarm fire]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/01/23/2k-games-office-damaged-in-fire |title=2K Games Office Damaged in Fire |first=David |last=Adams |date=January 23, 2006 |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190816235627/https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/01/23/2k-games-office-damaged-in-fire |url-status=live}}</ref> In June 2007, the company closed these offices and relocated to [[Novato, California]], bringing it closer to Visual Concepts.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/47449/2k-games-closes-nyc-office |title=2K Games Closes NYC Office, Heads West |first=Nick |last=Breckon |date=June 15, 2007 |website=[[Shacknews]] |access-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-date=February 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180204070416/http://www.shacknews.com/article/47449/2k-games-closes-nyc-office |url-status=live}}</ref> A third sub-label, 2K Play, was established with a focus on [[casual game]]s in September 2007, with Take-Two announcing a partnership with [[Nickelodeon]] for licensed games based on the latter's TV shows.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/09/10/take-two-plays-with-nickelodeon |title=Take-Two Plays with Nickelodeon |first=Daemon |last=Hatfield |date=September 10, 2007 |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190816235636/https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/09/10/take-two-plays-with-nickelodeon |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/nickelodeon-enters-agreement-with-new-2k-play-label |title=Nickelodeon enters agreement with new 2K Play label |first=Mark |last=Androvich |date=September 10, 2007 |website=[[GamesIndustry.biz]] |access-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190816235631/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/nickelodeon-enters-agreement-with-new-2k-play-label |url-status=live}}</ref> 2K Play therein also absorbed all assets of Take-Two's budget-range publisher [[Global Star Software]], including the studio [[Cat Daddy Games]], the game ''[[Carnival Games]]'', and games based on ''[[Deal or No Deal]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2007/09/take-two-partners-with-nickelodeon-launches-casual-game-label-2k-play/ |title=Take-Two partners with Nickelodeon, launches casual game label 2K Play |first=Ben |last=Kuchera |date=September 10, 2007 |website=[[Ars Technica]] |access-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-date=February 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180204070328/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2007/09/take-two-partners-with-nickelodeon-launches-casual-game-label-2k-play/ |url-status=live}}</ref> In January 2013, 2K obtained the rights to publish video games based on the [[professional wrestling]] company [[WWE]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/01/23/wwe-video-game-license-to-be-acquired-by-take-two |title=WWE Video Game License to be Acquired by Take Two |first=Richard |last=George |date=January 23, 2013 |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=January 26, 2013 |archive-date=January 26, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130126060249/http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/01/23/wwe-video-game-license-to-be-acquired-by-take-two |url-status=live}}</ref>


[[Christoph Hartmann (executive)|Christoph Hartmann]], 2K's [[President (corporate title)|president]], announced his resignation in May 2017.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2017/05/04/president-of-2k-games-leaves-company.aspx |title=President Of 2K Games Christoph Hartmann Leaves Company |first=Brian |last=Shea |date=May 4, 2017 |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |access-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190816235635/https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2017/05/04/president-of-2k-games-leaves-company.aspx |url-status=live}}</ref> He had worked for Take-Two for roughly twenty years but did not state a reason for his departure.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2017-05-04-2k-president-christoph-hartmann-departs |title=2K president Christoph Hartmann departs |first=Christopher |last=Dring |date=May 4, 2017 |website=[[GamesIndustry.biz]] |access-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190816235636/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2017-05-04-2k-president-christoph-hartmann-departs |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2017/05/04/2k-games-president-christoph-hartmann-leaves-company |title=2K Games President Christoph Hartmann Leaves Company |first=Jonathon |last=Dornbush |date=May 4, 2017 |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190816235627/https://www.ign.com/articles/2017/05/04/2k-games-president-christoph-hartmann-leaves-company |url-status=live}}</ref> He was succeeded by David Ismailer, previous [[chief operating officer]] (COO), later that month.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://gamasutra.com/view/news/299055/TakeTwo_appoints_David_Ismailer_as_president_of_2K_Games.php |title=Take-Two appoints David Ismailer as president of 2K Games |first=Chris |last=Kerr |date=May 31, 2017 |website=[[Gamasutra]] |access-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190816235636/https://gamasutra.com/view/news/299055/TakeTwo_appoints_David_Ismailer_as_president_of_2K_Games.php |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2017-05-31-david-ismailer-steps-in-as-new-2k-president |title=David Ismailer steps in as new 2K president |first=Matthew |last=Handrahan |date=May 31, 2017 |website=[[GamesIndustry.biz]] |access-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190816235627/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2017-05-31-david-ismailer-steps-in-as-new-2k-president |url-status=live}}</ref> The COO role was filled by Phil Dixon, formerly of [[Betfair]], in November 2017, while Melissa Bell was hired as [[senior vice president]] and head of global marketing in April 2018.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2018-07-23-2ks-light-slate-belies-bigger-ambitions |title=2K's light slate belies bigger ambitions |first=Brendan |last=Sinclair |date=July 23, 2018 |website=[[GamesIndustry.biz]] |access-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-date=November 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181114224655/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2018-07-23-2ks-light-slate-belies-bigger-ambitions |url-status=live}}</ref> In September 2018, 2K announced 2K Foundations, a program that would "support underserved communities across the nation by refurbishing basketball courts in neighborhoods that need them the most". [[Microsoft]] partnered with 2K to establish gaming stations fitted with [[Xbox One S]] consoles at these courts. 2K Foundations planned to refurbish twelve basketball courts in several cities across the United States (including [[Cincinnati]], [[Baltimore]], [[Los Angeles]], [[Chicago]], and [[Cleveland]]) within its first year.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2018-09-26-2k-foundations-to-provide-sporting-and-stem-education-facilities-in-us-cities |title=2K Foundations to provide basketball and STEM education facilities in US cities |first=Matthew |last=Handrahan |date=September 26, 2018 |website=[[GamesIndustry.biz]] |access-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190816201158/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2018-09-26-2k-foundations-to-provide-sporting-and-stem-education-facilities-in-us-cities |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/2018/09/25/2k-foundations-started-to-help-communities-through-basketball |title=2K Foundations Started To Help Communities Through Basketball |first=Matthew |last=Kato |date=September 25, 2018 |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |access-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-date=December 26, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226035535/https://www.gameinformer.com/2018/09/25/2k-foundations-started-to-help-communities-through-basketball |url-status=live}}</ref>
[[Christoph Hartmann (executive)|Christoph Hartmann]], 2K's [[President (corporate title)|president]], announced his resignation in May 2017.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2017/05/04/president-of-2k-games-leaves-company.aspx |title=President Of 2K Games Christoph Hartmann Leaves Company |first=Brian |last=Shea |date=May 4, 2017 |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |access-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190816235635/https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2017/05/04/president-of-2k-games-leaves-company.aspx |url-status=live}}</ref> He had worked for Take-Two for roughly twenty years but did not state a reason for his departure.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2017-05-04-2k-president-christoph-hartmann-departs |title=2K president Christoph Hartmann departs |first=Christopher |last=Dring |date=May 4, 2017 |website=[[GamesIndustry.biz]] |access-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190816235636/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2017-05-04-2k-president-christoph-hartmann-departs |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2017/05/04/2k-games-president-christoph-hartmann-leaves-company |title=2K Games President Christoph Hartmann Leaves Company |first=Jonathon |last=Dornbush |date=May 4, 2017 |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190816235627/https://www.ign.com/articles/2017/05/04/2k-games-president-christoph-hartmann-leaves-company |url-status=live}}</ref> He was succeeded by David Ismailer, previous [[chief operating officer]] (COO), later that month.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://gamasutra.com/view/news/299055/TakeTwo_appoints_David_Ismailer_as_president_of_2K_Games.php |title=Take-Two appoints David Ismailer as president of 2K Games |first=Chris |last=Kerr |date=May 31, 2017 |website=[[Gamasutra]] |access-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190816235636/https://gamasutra.com/view/news/299055/TakeTwo_appoints_David_Ismailer_as_president_of_2K_Games.php |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2017-05-31-david-ismailer-steps-in-as-new-2k-president |title=David Ismailer steps in as new 2K president |first=Matthew |last=Handrahan |date=May 31, 2017 |website=[[GamesIndustry.biz]] |access-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190816235627/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2017-05-31-david-ismailer-steps-in-as-new-2k-president |url-status=live}}</ref> The COO role was filled by Phil Dixon, formerly of [[Betfair]], in November 2017, while Melissa Bell was hired as [[senior vice president]] and head of global marketing in April 2018.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2018-07-23-2ks-light-slate-belies-bigger-ambitions |title=2K's light slate belies bigger ambitions |first=Brendan |last=Sinclair |date=July 23, 2018 |website=[[GamesIndustry.biz]] |access-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-date=November 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181114224655/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2018-07-23-2ks-light-slate-belies-bigger-ambitions |url-status=live}}</ref> In September 2018, 2K announced 2K Foundations, a program that would "support underserved communities across the nation by refurbishing basketball courts in neighborhoods that need them the most". [[Microsoft]] partnered with 2K to establish gaming stations fitted with [[Xbox One S]] consoles at these courts. 2K Foundations planned to refurbish twelve basketball courts in several cities across the United States (including [[Cincinnati]], [[Baltimore]], [[Los Angeles]], [[Chicago]], and [[Cleveland]]) within its first year.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2018-09-26-2k-foundations-to-provide-sporting-and-stem-education-facilities-in-us-cities |title=2K Foundations to provide basketball and STEM education facilities in US cities |first=Matthew |last=Handrahan |date=September 26, 2018 |website=[[GamesIndustry.biz]] |access-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190816201158/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2018-09-26-2k-foundations-to-provide-sporting-and-stem-education-facilities-in-us-cities |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/2018/09/25/2k-foundations-started-to-help-communities-through-basketball |title=2K Foundations Started To Help Communities Through Basketball |first=Matthew |last=Kato |date=September 25, 2018 |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |access-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-date=December 26, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226035535/https://www.gameinformer.com/2018/09/25/2k-foundations-started-to-help-communities-through-basketball |url-status=live}}</ref>

Revision as of 08:43, 7 September 2023

2K
Company typeSubsidiary
IndustryVideo games
FoundedJanuary 25, 2005; 19 years ago (2005-01-25) in New York City, US
Headquarters
Novato, California
,
US
Key people
  • David Ismailer (president)
  • Phil Dixon (COO)
  • Melissa Bell (SVP, head of global marketing)
Products
ParentTake-Two Interactive
SubsidiariesSee § Studios
Website2k.com

2K is an American video game publisher based in Novato, California. The company was founded as a subsidiary of Take-Two Interactive in January 2005 through the 2K Games and 2K Sports sub-labels. The nascent label incorporated several development studios owned by Take-Two, including Visual Concepts and Kush Games, which had been acquired the day before. Originally based in New York City, 2K moved to Novato in 2007. A third label, 2K Play, was added in September 2007. 2K is governed by David Ismailer as president and Phil Dixon as chief operating officer. It operates motion capture studio in Petaluma, California.[1]

History

2K's original logo

On January 24, 2005, Take-Two Interactive announced its acquisition of Visual Concepts, the developer of sports video game series like NBA 2K, NHL 2K, and MLB 2K. Take-Two paid Sega US$24 million for the studio, including its Kush Games subsidiary and the intellectual property of the 2K series.[2][3] On the following day, the company established the 2K publishing label, consisting of the sub-labels 2K Games and 2K Sports, with the latter focusing on sports games.[4][5][6] Visual Concepts and Kush Games, alongside Indie Built, Venom Games, PopTop Software, and Frog City Software, became studios of the new label, which also absorbed the staff of Take-Two Licensing.[7] In January 2006, the administration and marketing portions of 2K's New York City offices were heavily damaged by a five-alarm fire.[8] In June 2007, the company closed these offices and relocated to Novato, California, bringing it closer to Visual Concepts.[9] A third sub-label, 2K Play, was established with a focus on casual games in September 2007, with Take-Two announcing a partnership with Nickelodeon for licensed games based on the latter's TV shows.[10][11] 2K Play therein also absorbed all assets of Take-Two's budget-range publisher Global Star Software, including the studio Cat Daddy Games, the game Carnival Games, and games based on Deal or No Deal.[12] In January 2013, 2K obtained the rights to publish video games based on the professional wrestling company WWE.[13]

Christoph Hartmann, 2K's president, announced his resignation in May 2017.[14] He had worked for Take-Two for roughly twenty years but did not state a reason for his departure.[15][16] He was succeeded by David Ismailer, previous chief operating officer (COO), later that month.[17][18] The COO role was filled by Phil Dixon, formerly of Betfair, in November 2017, while Melissa Bell was hired as senior vice president and head of global marketing in April 2018.[19] In September 2018, 2K announced 2K Foundations, a program that would "support underserved communities across the nation by refurbishing basketball courts in neighborhoods that need them the most". Microsoft partnered with 2K to establish gaming stations fitted with Xbox One S consoles at these courts. 2K Foundations planned to refurbish twelve basketball courts in several cities across the United States (including Cincinnati, Baltimore, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Cleveland) within its first year.[20][21]

In March 2021, 2K acquired HB Studios, which had previously developed The Golf Club 2019 featuring PGA Tour and PGA Tour 2K21 for the company. The acquisition includes the rights to the Golf Club series, which had been relaunched as the PGA Tour 2K series through a license from the PGA Tour.[22] Additionally, 2K announced it had secured a contract with Tiger Woods, who had previously been a key figure for Electronic Arts' PGA Tour series, as an executive director and consultant for future PGA Tour 2K games, as well as his likeness for the games.[23] Later that month, 2K bought HookBang's games division in Austin, Texas, which had supported work on the NBA 2K series in the past. The studio was relocated to a new Austin location and rebranded as Visual Concepts Austin.[24] In September 2022, 2K's customer support team was hacked, with certain user data stolen and put on sale.[25][26]

Studios

Defunct

Games published

Main article: List of 2K games

Former

References

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