2K has introduced Small Axe Studios, a new AAA
development studio based in Vancouver, British Columbia, focused on
creating sports video games. The team is being led by industry veterans
with extensive experience working on some of Electronic Arts' biggest
sports franchises. While the studio has not officially announced
the game it is currently developing, its leadership team is particularly
notable for its direct experience with FIFA and other major sports
franchises.
A Team With Extensive FIFA Experience
Small Axe Studios is headed by Aaron McHardy, who serves as Vice President and Executive Producer. McHardy has 21 years of experience in the games industry and previously worked as an Executive Producer at Electronic Arts Vancouver, where he led major AAA franchises including FIFA, now known as EA SPORTS FC, as well as Madden and College Football. His background covers more than production, with experience in studio leadership, business, and game design.
The studio's Head of Design is Gary Paterson, a 22-year veteran of game design and creative leadership. Paterson has extensive experience across sports titles, having worked on FIFA, FIFA Manager, FIFA Street, and NBA Live during his time at Electronic Arts.More recently, Paterson served as Studio Design Director at Criterion Games, where he led design strategy for the Need for Speed franchise.
Could This Be 2K's New Football Game?
The formation of Small Axe Studios is particularly interesting because of the experience brought by its senior leadership. Both McHardy and Paterson have spent years working directly on FIFA and other major sports franchises. However, the information officially released so far does not identify the studio's current project or confirm that it is developing a new football game. No release date, platforms, gameplay features, or franchise details have been announced either. What is confirmed is that Small Axe Studios is part of 2K's push into new sports game development, with the studio assembling a team built around extensive AAA experience.
For now, any direct connection to a future 2K football game remains unconfirmed. Still, the presence of former FIFA leadership among Small Axe Studios' key figures makes the new Vancouver-based studio one worth watching closely for anyone following the future of football video games.
