2K Games is making a bold play in the competitive sports gaming market with the launch of Small Axe Studios, a Vancouver-based AAA development team stacked with EA Sports veterans. The studio is led by Aaron McHardy as vice president, executive producer, and studio head, who previously served as executive producer on Madden, College Football, and FIFA franchises over nearly 18 years at EA. The leadership roster reads like an EA Sports reunion, with head of design Gary Paterson, head of operations Tom Pan, and head of engineering Mike Thompson all bringing EA experience to the new venture.
The studio aims to redefine the future of sports video games, with current focus on building 2K’s next blockbuster sports franchise. Small Axe Studios evolved from 2K Sports Lab, which was established in 2023, signaling this is not just a side project but a long-term strategic investment. While the specific sport remains unconfirmed, the concentration of former FIFA and EA Sports FC hands on its leadership team has fueled speculation about a football title aimed at EA’s long-running dominance.
This is the second new studio under 2K announced in the last year, following Take-Two hiring two key Perfect Dark developers to start a new studio in December 2025. However, the expansion comes as Visual Concepts reportedly laid off staff for the third time in three years, highlighting the industry’s complex push toward growth alongside restructuring.
Could Small Axe Studios finally give EA Sports real competition in sports gaming?
