2K (company)

{{Short description|American video game publisher}} {{Use American English|date=August 2019}} {{Use mdy dates|date=August 2019}} {{Infobox company | name = 2K | logo = 2K 2021 Logo.svg | logo_caption = Logo used since 2021 | type = Subsidiary | industry = Video games | founded = {{Start date and age|2005|01|25}} in New York City, U.S. | founder = <!-- or: | founders = --> | hq_location_city = Novato, California | hq_location_country = US | key_people = {{Unbulleted list|David Ismailer (president)|Phil Dixon (COO)}} | products = {{Plainlist| * ''BioShock'' series * ''Borderlands'' series * ''Civilization'' series * ''Mafia'' series * ''NBA 2K'' series * ''PGA Tour 2K'' series * ''WWE 2K'' series * ''X-COM'' series }} | num_employees = ~4,000 | num_employees_year = <!-- Year of num_employees data (if known) --> | parent = Take-Two Interactive | subsid = See {{section link||Studios}} | website = {{URL|https://2k.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 a motion capture studio in Petaluma, California.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.vox.com/2016/9/16/12907442/nba-2k17-video-game-basketball-scan |title=Here's what it's like to be scanned into an NBA video game |first=Kurt |last=Wagner |date=September 16, 2016 |website=Vox |access-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190816230550/https://www.vox.com/2016/9/16/12907442/nba-2k17-video-game-basketball-scan |url-status=live}}</ref>

== History == right|thumb|2K's original logo On January 24, 2005, Take-Two Interactive acquired Visual Concepts, developer of ''NBA 2K'', ''NHL 2K'', and ''MLB 2K'' games that were marketed under the Sega Sports brand.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sega Sports teams with ESPN - News |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/7335/sega-sports-teams-with-espn |access-date=2025-11-24 |website=Nintendo World Report}}</ref> Take-Two paid Sega {{US$|24&nbsp;million}} for Visual Concepts, its Kush Games subsidiary and the 2K series' intellectual property.<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 January 25, 2005, Take-Two established the 2K Publishing label including its 2K Games and 2K Sports sub-labels.<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> In January 2006, some of 2K's New York City offices were 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 relocated to Novato, California, alongside 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 in September 2007 to focus on casual games. Later that year, Take-Two partnered with Nickelodeon to license games based on its 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 absorbed all assets of Take-Two's budget-range publisher Global Star Software, including Cat Daddy Games, ''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 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, former President of 2K 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> after nearly two decades with Take-Two.<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> David Ismailer, who previously served as 2K's chief operating officer (COO), was named 2K's new President.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/take-two-appoints-david-ismailer-as-president-of-2k-games |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> Phil Dixon, formerly of Betfair, joined 2K as COO in November 2017.<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 created 2K Foundations, a social impact program that builds community and youth engagement programs and spaces for underserved communities around the world. Since its founding, dozens of NBA and WNBA stars have teamed up with [https://foundations.2k.com/ 2K Foundations] to refurbish more than 50 basketball courts at community centers for kids across 6 continents.<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>

== Studios == * 2K Chengdu in Chengdu, China; founded in June 2011.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.2kchina.com/en/content/2k-chengdu |title=2K Chengdu |publisher=2K China |archive-date=October 3, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141003172805/http://www.2kchina.com/en/content/2k-chengdu |url-status=dead}}</ref> * 2K Madrid in Madrid, Spain; founded in June 2021.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://2kmadrid.com/ |title=Home |publisher=2K Madrid |access-date=December 5, 2022 |archive-date=April 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210401064314/https://2kmadrid.com/ |url-status=live}}</ref> * 2K Sports Lab in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; founded in October 2023.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://sportslab.2k.com/ |title=2K Sports Lab |publisher=2K Sports Lab }}</ref> * 2K Valencia in Valencia, Spain; founded in 2005 as Elite3D; acquired in November 2021.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/2k-acquires-elite3d |title=2K acquires Elite3D |first=Brendan |last=Sinclair |date=November 9, 2021 |website=GamesIndustry.biz |access-date=February 5, 2024}}</ref> * 2K Vegas in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.; founded in 2006 as 2K West, rebranded in 2013.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2012-11-07-take-two-moving-qa-to-nevada |title=Take-Two moving QA studio to Nevada |first=Brendan |last=Sinclair |date=November 7, 2012 |website=GamesIndustry.biz |access-date=August 27, 2019 |archive-date=August 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190827090540/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2012-11-07-take-two-moving-qa-to-nevada |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://2kvegas.com/ |title=About |publisher=2K Vegas |access-date=August 27, 2019 |archive-date=September 22, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170922002354/https://2kvegas.com/ |url-status=live}}</ref> * 31st Union in San Mateo, California, U.S. and Valencia, Spain; founded in 2019 as 2K Silicon Valley, rebranded in 2020.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/2/4/18210572/2k-games-silicon-valley-michael-condrey |title=2K opens new studio led by Sledgehammer Games co-founder |first=Michael |last=McWhertor |date=February 4, 2019 |website=Polygon |access-date=August 27, 2019 |archive-date=August 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190827090545/https://www.polygon.com/2019/2/4/18210572/2k-games-silicon-valley-michael-condrey |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/2ks-new-31st-union-studio-is-making-an-ambitious-and-inspired-new-ip/ |title=2K's new 31st Union studio is making an 'ambitious and inspired original IP' |first=Tom |last=Ivan |date=February 11, 2020 |website=Video Games Chronicle |access-date=February 11, 2020 |archive-date=April 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200427160108/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/2ks-new-31st-union-studio-is-making-an-ambitious-and-inspired-new-ip/ |url-status=live}}</ref> * Cat Daddy Games in Kirkland, Washington, U.S.; founded in 1996, acquired in 2003.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.catdaddy.com/about.html |title=About |publisher=Cat Daddy Games |access-date=August 27, 2019 |archive-date=January 11, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150111082211/http://www.catdaddy.com/about.html |url-status=dead}}</ref> * Cloud Chamber in Novato, California, U.S. and Montreal, Canada; founded in 2019.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2019-12-09-bioshock-in-development-at-new-2k-studio-cloud-chamber |title=New BioShock game announced, still "several" years away |first=Tom |last=Phillips |date=December 9, 2019 |website=Eurogamer |access-date=December 9, 2019 |archive-date=September 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200918181637/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2019-12-09-bioshock-in-development-at-new-2k-studio-cloud-chamber |url-status=live}}</ref> * Firaxis Games in Hunt Valley, Maryland, U.S.; founded in 1996, acquired in 2005.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/take-two-acquires-firaxis-games |title=Take-Two Acquires Firaxis Games |first=Simon |last=Carless |date=November 7, 2005 |website=Gamasutra |access-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190816235633/https://gamasutra.com/view/news/98052/TakeTwo_Acquires_Firaxis_Games.php |url-status=live}}</ref> * Gearbox Software in Frisco, Texas, U.S.; founded in 1999, acquired in 2024.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Carcasole |first=David |date=2024-06-12 |title=Take-Two Now Officially Owns Gearbox Entertainment As Acquisition Closes |url=https://www.psu.com/news/take-two-now-officially-owns-gearbox-entertainment-as-acquisition-completes/ |access-date=2024-06-12 |website=PlayStation Universe |language=en-US}}</ref> ** Gearbox Studio Montreal in Montreal, Canada; acquired in 2024.<ref name=":0" /> ** Gearbox Studio Québec in Québec City, Canada; acquired in 2024.<ref name=":0" /> * Hangar 13 in Novato, California, U.S., Brno and Prague, Czech Republic, and Brighton, England; founded in 2014.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/how-the-makers-of-mafia-iii-lost-their-way-1825242177 |title=How The Makers Of ''Mafia III'' Lost Their Way |first=Jason |last=Schreier |author-link=Jason Schreier |date=April 13, 2018 |website=Kotaku |access-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-date=April 13, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180413232722/https://kotaku.com/how-the-makers-of-mafia-iii-lost-their-way-1825242177 |url-status=live}}</ref> * HB Studios in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Canada; founded in 2000, acquired in 2021.<ref name="Kotaku: PGA Tour">{{cite web |last=Fahey |first=Mike |date=March 16, 2021 |title=2K Signs Tiger Woods, Buys The Studio Behind ''PGA Tour 2K21'' |url=https://kotaku.com/2k-signs-tiger-woods-buys-the-studio-behind-pga-tour-2-1846485059 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428205116/https://kotaku.com/2k-signs-tiger-woods-buys-the-studio-behind-pga-tour-2-1846485059 |archive-date=April 28, 2021 |access-date=March 16, 2021 |website=Kotaku}}</ref> * Mass Media in Moorpark, California, U.S.; founded in the 1980s, acquired in 2018.<ref>https://www.linkedin.com/company/mass-media</ref> * Visual Concepts in Novato, California, U.S.; founded in 1988, acquired in 2005.<ref name="Kotaku: Terrible Decision" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2796233-inside-nba2ks-journey-to-the-top-of-sports-gaming |title=Inside NBA 2K's Journey to the Top of Sports Gaming |first=Patrick |last=Hruby |date=September 18, 2018 |website=Bleacher Report |access-date=December 10, 2018 |archive-date=December 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214065406/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2796233-inside-nba2ks-journey-to-the-top-of-sports-gaming |url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Defunct === * 2K Australia in Canberra, Australia; founded in 2000, acquired in 2006, closed in 2015.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2015/4/15/8425885/2k-australia-closing |title=2K Australia is shutting down |first=Samit |last=Sarkar |date=April 15, 2015 |website=Polygon |access-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-date=July 2, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170702065118/https://www.polygon.com/2015/4/15/8425885/2k-australia-closing |url-status=live}}</ref> * 2K China in Shanghai, China; founded in May 2006, closed in November 2015.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/e3-take-two-interactive-establishes-2k-shanghai-studio |title=E3: Take-Two Interactive Establishes 2K Shanghai Studio |first=Simon |last=Carless |date=May 9, 2006 |website=Gamasutra |access-date=September 22, 2019 |archive-date=September 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190922152153/https://gamasutra.com/view/news/100197/E3_TakeTwo_Interactive_Establishes_2K_Shanghai_Studio.php |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="GameSpot: 2K China closure">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/borderlands-online-canceled-developer-shuttered/1100-6432074/ |title=Borderlands Online Canceled, Developer Shuttered |first=Eddie |last=Makuch |date=November 6, 2015 |website=GameSpot |access-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-date=February 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180204123947/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/borderlands-online-canceled-developer-shuttered/1100-6432074/ |url-status=live}}</ref> * 2K Czech in Brno, Czech Republic; founded in 1997, acquired in 2008, merged into Hangar 13 in 2017.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2018-01-04-have-you-seen-these-studios |title=Have you seen these studios? |first=Brendan |last=Sinclair |date=January 4, 2018 |website=GamesIndustry.biz |access-date=August 27, 2019 |archive-date=February 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180224173521/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2018-01-04-have-you-seen-these-studios |url-status=live}}</ref> * 2K Hangzhou in Hangzhou, China; founded in 2007, closed in November 2016.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.2kchina.com/en/content/2k-hangzhou |title=2K Hangzhou |publisher=2K China |archive-date=October 3, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141003172805/http://www.2kchina.com/en/content/2k-hangzhou |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="GameSpot: 2K China closure" /> * 2K Los Angeles in Camarillo, California, U.S.; founded as Kush Games in 1998, acquired in 2005, closed in 2008.<ref name="Kotaku: Every Closure">{{cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/every-game-studio-thats-closed-down-since-2006-5876693 |title=Every Game Studio That's Closed Down Since 2006 |first=Luke |last=Plunkett |date=January 16, 2012 |website=Kotaku |access-date=August 27, 2019 |archive-date=June 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190602002549/https://kotaku.com/every-game-studio-thats-closed-down-since-2006-5876693 |url-status=live}}</ref> * 2K Marin in Novato, California, U.S.; founded in 2007, closed in 2013.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.wired.com/2007/12/rumor-roundup-w-2/ |title=Rumor Roundup: What's Up With 2K Marin And ''BioShock'' |first=Chris |last=Kohler |date=December 17, 2007 |magazine=Wired |access-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-date=February 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180224173518/https://www.wired.com/2007/12/rumor-roundup-w-2/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/sources-the-new-bioshock-has-been-in-the-works-for-yea-1840314561 |title=Sources: The New ''BioShock'' Has Been In The Works For Years |first=Jason |last=Schreier |author-link=Jason Schreier |date=December 9, 2019 |website=Kotaku |access-date=December 10, 2019 |archive-date=December 10, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191210133535/https://kotaku.com/sources-the-new-bioshock-has-been-in-the-works-for-yea-1840314561 |url-status=live}}</ref> * Frog City Software in San Francisco, U.S.; founded in 1994, acquired in 2003, closed in 2006.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sidecarstudios.com/about.html |title=History |first=Rachel |last=Bernstein |author-link=Rachel Bernstein |date=2007 |publisher=Sidecar Studios |access-date=August 27, 2019 |archive-date=March 20, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070320225535/http://www.sidecarstudios.com/about.html |url-status=live}}</ref> * Indie Built in Salt Lake City, U.S.; founded as Access Software in 1982, acquired and renamed in 2004, closed in 2006.<ref name="Kotaku: Every Closure" /> * Irrational Games in Westwood, Massachusetts, U.S.; founded in 1997, acquired in 2006, closed in 2017 and succeeded by Ghost Story Games.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/former-bioshock-studio-irrational-games-adopts-a-n/1100-6448166/ |title=Former BioShock Studio Irrational Games Adopts A New Name |first=Chris |last=Pereira |date=February 23, 2017 |website=GameSpot |access-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-date=September 10, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170910040642/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/former-bioshock-studio-irrational-games-adopts-a-n/1100-6448166/ |url-status=live}}</ref> * PAM Development in Paris, France; founded in 1995, acquired in 2005, closed in 2008.<ref name="Kotaku: Every Closure" /> * PopTop Software in Fenton, Missouri, U.S.; founded in 1993, acquired in 2000, merged into Firaxis Games in 2006.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/poptop-folded-into-firaxis/1100-6145569/ |title=PopTop folded into Firaxis? |first=Tor |last=Thorsen |date=March 7, 2006 |website=GameSpot |access-date=August 16, 2019 |archive-date=September 22, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170922002726/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/poptop-folded-into-firaxis/1100-6145569/ |url-status=live}}</ref> * Venom Games in Newcastle upon Tyne, England; founded in 2003, acquired in 2004, closed in 2008.<ref name="Kotaku: Every Closure" /><ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.mcvuk.com/venom-games-to-close/ |title=Venom Games to close? |date=July 2, 2008 |magazine=MCV |access-date=August 18, 2019 |archive-date=January 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124154443/https://www.mcvuk.com/development-news/venom-games-to-close/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

== Games published == {{Main|List of 2K games}} * ''BioShock'' (since 2007) * ''Borderlands'' (since 2009) * ''Civilization'' (since 2005) * ''Mafia'' (since 2010) * ''X-COM'' (since 2012) * ''NBA 2K'' (since 2005) * ''PGA Tour 2K'' (since 2018) * ''WWE 2K'' (since 2013) * ''Top Spin'' (2005–2011, since 2024)

=== Former === * ''College Hoops 2K'' (2005–2007) ** ''College Hoops 2K6'' ** ''College Hoops 2K7'' ** ''College Hoops 2K8'' * ''MLB 2K'' (2005–2013) * ''NHL 2K'' (2005–2014)

===2K Games Launcher=== 2K released a proprietary game launcher for computer users in 2022 alongside quality of life updates the ''BioShock'' franchise. The new game launcher gave players the opportunity to buy add on content for games. The launcher was criticized for breaking games on Linux, including on the Steam Deck.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wolens |first=Joshua |date=2022-09-05 |title=2K's 'quality of life' change for BioShock is that Linux users can't play it anymore |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/2ks-quality-of-life-change-for-bioshock-is-that-linux-users-cant-play-it-anymore/ |access-date=2025-01-15 |work=PC Gamer |language=en}}</ref> Fans of ''Marvel's Midnight Suns'', felt the launcher impacted the game's performance.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-12-14 |title=Marvel's Midnight Suns PC users are bypassing the 2K Launcher for better results |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/marvels-midnight-suns-pc-users-are-bypassing-the-2k-launcher-for-better-results |access-date=2025-01-15 |work=Eurogamer.net |language=en}}</ref> Following negative feedback, 2K began phasing out the launcher, removing it from ''Civilization VI'' and assuring it wouldn't be used in ''Civilization VII''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Woods |first=Sam |date=2024-08-15 |title=Civilization 6 Finally Gets Rid Of 2K Launcher On Steam, Civ 7 To Follow |url=https://www.thegamer.com/civilization-6-7-gets-rid-of-2k-launcher/ |access-date=2025-01-15 |website=TheGamer |language=en}}</ref> On November 18, 2024, 2K removed the launcher from every game on both Steam and Epic Games' storefronts.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-10-28 |title=[2K Launcher] Complete Sunset |url=https://support.2k.com/hc/en-us/articles/34845053169939--2K-Launcher-Complete-Sunset |access-date=2025-01-15 |website=2K Support |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Yin-Poole |first=Wesley |date=2024-11-26 |title=The 2K Launcher Is No More — You Can Now Launch 2K’s PC Games Directly in Steam |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/the-2k-launcher-is-no-more-you-can-now-launch-2ks-pc-games-directly-in-steam |access-date=2025-01-15 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref>

== References == {{Reflist}}

== External links == * {{Official website|https://2k.com/}}

{{Take-Two Interactive}} {{Authority control}}

Category:2K (company) Category:2005 establishments in New York (state) Category:American companies established in 2005 Category:Companies based in Marin County, California Category:Novato, California Category:Take-Two Interactive divisions and subsidiaries Category:Video game companies based in the San Francisco Bay Area Category:Video game companies established in 2005 Category:Video game publishers Category:Video game publishing brands