{{Short description|Czech video game developer}} {{Use British English|date=January 2019}} {{Use dmy dates|date=January 2019}} {{Infobox company | fetchwikidata = NONE | name = 2K Czech, s.r.o. | logo = 2K Czech Logo.svg | logo_caption = Logo used since 2008–2017 | former_name = {{Unbulleted list|Illusion Softworks, a.s.|(1997–2008)|2K Czech, a.s.|(2008–2011)}} | type = Subsidiary | industry = Video games | fate = Merged into Hangar 13 | predecessor = Vochozka Trading | founded = {{Start date and age|df=yes|1997}} | founders = {{Unbulleted list|Petr Vochozka|Jan Kudera}} | defunct = {{End date|df=yes|2017}} | hq_location_city = Brno | hq_location_country = Czech Republic | num_locations = 2 studios | num_locations_year = 2017 | key_people = | num_employees = ~100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://or.justice.cz/ias/content/download?id=b79dea8c446841dcad5143d24d84bd23 |title=2K Czech, s.r.o. – Výroční zpráva společnosti za období 1. dubna 2016 – 31. března 2017 |language=cs |trans-title=Annual Report of the Company for the period of 1 April 2016 – 31 March 2017 |page=23 |website=Justice.cz}}</ref> | num_employees_year = 2017 | parent = 2K (2008–2017) | website = [http://www.2kczech.com/ 2kczech.com] }}
'''2K Czech, s.r.o.''' (formerly '''Illusion Softworks, a.s.''') was a Czech video game developer based in Brno, founded as Illusion Softworks in 1997 by Petr Vochozka and Jan Kudera. The company was acquired by Take-Two Interactive in January 2008 and subsequently organised under the 2K label, becoming 2K Czech. The studio was merged into 2K's Hangar 13 in 2017. The developer is best known for creating the ''Mafia'' series.
== History == ===Illusion Softworks=== Illusion Softworks was established in 1997 in Brno by Petr Vochozka and Jan Kudera.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://doupe.zive.cz/clanek/retro-koutek-nadcasovy-pribehovy-skvost-jmenem-mafia |title=Retro koutek: nadčasový příběhový skvost jménem Mafia |first=Patrik |last=Štolba |website=Doupe.cz}}</ref> The company succeeded Vochozka's video game publisher, Vochozka Trading, through funding provided by Kudera's Cash Reform fund.<ref>{{cite web|title=Illusion Softworks: Pohádka s hořkým koncem|url=https://gamifique.eurozpravy.cz/novinky/2610-illusion-softworks-pohadka-s-horkym-koncem|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170711101227/http://gamifique.eurozpravy.cz/novinky/2610-illusion-softworks-pohadka-s-horkym-koncem|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 July 2017|website=gamifique.eurozpravy.cz|language=cs}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Mosty mezi starou a novou ekonomikou|url=https://www.zive.cz/clanky/mosty-mezi-starou-a-novou-ekonomikou/sc-3-a-27051/default.aspx|website=Živě.cz|language=cs}}</ref> The team initially comprised only five people, including Vochozka and Kudera. The team would expand to 40 people by the release of ''Mafia'' in 2002.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Mafia Dev Diary: Celebrating 18 years in the life|url=https://mafiagame.com/news/mafia-anniversary/|access-date=2020-06-14|website=Mafia - Official Website}}</ref>
The studio provided assistance to Silver Wish Games for the production of ''Wings of War'', ''Chameleon'' and ''Circus Empire''.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2007-10-30|title=Games - Illusion Softworks|url=http://www.illusionsoftworks.com/games/|access-date=2021-02-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071030065851/http://www.illusionsoftworks.com/games/|archive-date=30 October 2007}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Silver Wish Games|url=https://www.mobygames.com/company/silver-wish-games|access-date=2021-02-05|website=MobyGames}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Silver Wish Games {{!}} game developer|url=https://www.gamepressure.com/games/game-company.asp?ID=1753|access-date=2021-02-05|website=Gamepressure.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Silver Wish Games (Company)|url=https://www.giantbomb.com/silver-wish-games/3010-3443/|access-date=2021-02-05|website=Giant Bomb}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Allen|first=James|title=Circus Empire Review|url=http://www.outofeight.info/2007/06/circus-empire-review.html|access-date=2021-02-05}}</ref>
In September 2007, several Illusions Softworks employees left the studio to found The Easy Company, which went on to produce ''MotorM4X'' (2008).<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.mcvuk.com/development/the-easy-company-opens-in-prague |title=The Easy Company opens in Prague |website=mcvuk.com |date=21 September 2007 |access-date=24 February 2018}}</ref>
===2K Czech=== On 8 January 2008, Take-Two Interactive announced that they acquired Illusion Softworks for an undisclosed sum.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2008/01/08/take-two-brings-mafia-dev-illusion-softworks-into-the-family/ |title=Welcome 2K Czech: Take-Two brings Mafia dev Illusion Softworks into the family |website=engadget.com |date=15 July 2016 |access-date=24 February 2018}}</ref> As a result of the acquisition, Illusion Softworks became part of Take-Two Interactive's 2K label and was renamed to 2K Czech.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/take-two-acquires-illusion-softworks |title=Take-Two acquires Illusion Softworks |first=Robert |last=Purchese |date=8 January 2008 |website=eurogamer.net |access-date=24 February 2018}}</ref> According to Take-Two Interactive's chief executive officer, Ben Feder, the agreement was made to expand the company's "strategic focus on owning high-value intellectual property".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2008/01/take-two-swallows-illusion-softworks/ |title=Take-Two swallows Illusion Softworks |website=arstechnica.com |date=9 January 2008 |access-date=24 February 2018}}</ref> In July 2011, several employees that had left 2K Czech, along with former employees of Bohemia Interactive, founded Warhorse Studios, the studio behind 2018 video game ''Kingdom Come: Deliverance''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-07-22-mafia-creator-founds-new-studio |title=Mafia creator founds new studio |first=Tom |last=Phillips |date=22 July 2011 |website=eurogamer.net |access-date=24 February 2018}}</ref>
In September 2011, 40 employees were laid off from the company's Brno studio, with a few others made redundant at its Prague studio.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2011/09/01/mafia-2-developer-2k-czech-lays-off-40/ |title=Mafia 2 developer 2K Czech lays off 40 |website=engadget.com |date=15 July 2016 |access-date=24 February 2018}}</ref> Both studios previously housed a total of 200 employees, with around 25% of them being cut due to the layoffs.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.mcvuk.com/development/40-staff-axed-from-mafia-studio-2k-czech |title=40 staff axed from Mafia studio 2K Czech |website=mcvuk.com |date=September 2011 |access-date=24 February 2018}}</ref> In November 2012, 2K Czech began hiring for a new, announced project;<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.vg247.com/2012/11/01/mafia-studio-hiring-for-new-top-secret-super-interesting-triple-a-title/ |title=Mafia 3: 2K Czech hiring for new 'top secret, super interesting' triple-a title|date=1 November 2012 |website=vg247.com |access-date=24 February 2018}}</ref> at the time, 2K Czech had 188 employees.<ref>{{cite web|title=PROFIL: Vývojáři z 2K Czech dali světu kultovní Mafii|url=https://www.euro.cz/byznys/profil-vyvojari-z-2k-czech-dali-svetu-kultovni-mafii-933337|date=23 November 2012|website=Euro.cz|language=cs}}</ref> There were reported creative differences between developers within 2K Czech, regarding the direction of the third installment of the ''Mafia'' series, which had started production between late 2010 and early 2011, with the project being rebooted around seven times between 2011 and 2013.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Doskocil|first=Jan|date=2014-01-12|title=Vývoj Mafia 3 měl být v Americe zrestartován|url=https://www.eurogamer.cz/articles/2014-01-12-vyvoj-mafia-3-ml-byt-v-americe-zrestartovan|access-date=2020-06-14|website=Eurogamer.cz|language=cs}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Vývoj Mafia 3 byl zřejmě přesunut do Ameriky. 2K otevírá novou pobočku, která začne na hře pracovat od píky|url=https://cdr.cz/clanek/vyvoj-mafia-3-byl-zrejme-presunut-do-ameriky-kde-2k-otevira-novou-pobocku|access-date=2020-06-14|website=cdr.cz|language=cs}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Horák|first=Aleš 'Alien'|title=Mafia, Mafia 2 & Mafia 3|url=http://mafia.czech-games.net/2014/01/vyvoj-mafia-3-byl-pravdepodobne-restartovan-a-presunut-do-usa/|access-date=2020-06-14|language=cs}}</ref>
=== Succession by Hangar 13 === 2K announced in January 2014 that 2K Czech's Prague office was to close, and that 10 employees (including the development of ''Mafia III)'' would be transferred to 2K's headquarters in Novato, California, with most other employees moved to 2K Czech's remaining Brno studio.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-01-10-2k-czech-restructuring-mafia-3-moving-to-us |title=2K Czech restructuring, Mafia 3 moving to US? |first=Robert |last=Purchese |date=10 January 2014 |website=eurogamer.net |access-date=24 February 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2014/1/10/5294642/mafia-developer-to-close-down-prague-office-as-2k-czech-begins |title=Mafia developer to close down Prague office as 2K Czech begins restructuring |date=10 January 2014 |website=Polygon |access-date=24 February 2018}}</ref> Of an undisclosed number of employees that were laid off, some were later hired by Warhorse Studios.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.vg247.com/2014/02/28/mismanaged-2k-prague-to-close-its-doors-today-kingdom-come-studio-warhorse-poised-to-hire-staff/ |title='Mismanaged' 2K Prague to close its doors today, Kingdom Come studio Warhorse poised to hire staff|date=28 February 2014 |website=vg247.com |access-date=24 February 2018}}</ref> ''Mafia III''<nowiki/>'s development was later shifted to 2K's new studio, Hangar 13, with 2K Czech receiving a supporting role.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2015/10/14/who-the-hell-is-mafia-iiis-hangar-13.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151015190437/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2015/10/14/who-the-hell-is-mafia-iiis-hangar-13.aspx |url-status=live |archive-date=15 October 2015 |title=Who The Hell Is Mafia III Developer Hangar 13? |magazine=Game Informer |access-date=24 February 2018}}</ref> In 2017, the studio was merged into Hangar 13.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2018-01-04-have-you-seen-these-studios |title=Have you seen these studios? |website=gamesindustry.biz |date=4 January 2018 |access-date=24 February 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/mafia-3/mafia-3-hangar-13-layoffs |title=Mafia 3 developers Hangar 13 hit with layoffs |website=pcgamesn.com |date=15 February 2018 |access-date=24 February 2018}}</ref>
== Games developed == ===As Illusion Softworks=== {| class="wikitable sortable" |+ !Year !Title !Platform(s) !Publisher !Notes |- |1997 |''Lurid Land'' |MS-DOS |Abadion Arts | rowspan="3" | |- |1998 |''Léto s Oskarem'' |MS-DOS |Vochozka Trading |- |1999 |''Hidden & Dangerous'' |Microsoft Windows |TalonSoft |- | rowspan="3" |2000 |''Flying Heroes'' |Microsoft Windows |Take-Two Interactive |Assisted Pterodon |- |''Hidden & Dangerous'' |Dreamcast | rowspan="2" |TalonSoft | rowspan="4" | |- |''Hidden & Dangerous: Fight for Freedom'' |Microsoft Windows |- |2002 |''Mafia'' |Microsoft Windows | rowspan="3" |Gathering of Developers |- | rowspan="2" |2003 |''Hidden & Dangerous 2'' |Microsoft Windows |- |''Vietcong'' |Microsoft Windows |Assisted Pterodon |- | rowspan="4" |2004 |''Hidden & Dangerous 2: Sabre Squadron'' |Microsoft Windows |Global Star Software | rowspan="3" | |- | rowspan="2" |''Mafia'' |PlayStation 2 | rowspan="3" |Gathering of Developers |- |Xbox |- |''Vietcong: Fist Alpha'' |Microsoft Windows | rowspan="3" |Assisted Pterodon |- | rowspan="2" |2005 |''Vietcong 2'' |Microsoft Windows |2K Games |- |''Vietcong: Red Dawn'' |Microsoft Windows |Gathering of Developers |}
==== Cancelled ==== * ''Enemy in Sight'' (Microsoft Windows)
===As 2K Czech=== {| class="wikitable sortable" |+ !Year !Title !Platform(s) !Publisher !Notes |- | rowspan="3" |2010 | rowspan="3" |''Mafia II'' |Microsoft Windows | rowspan="3" |2K Games | rowspan="3" | |- |PlayStation 3 |- |Xbox 360 |- | rowspan="2" |2011 | rowspan="2" |''Top Spin 4'' |PlayStation 3 | rowspan="2" |2K Sports |- |Xbox 360 |- | rowspan="3" |2016 | rowspan="3" |''Mafia III'' |Microsoft Windows | rowspan="3" |2K Games | rowspan="3" |Assisted Hangar 13 |- |PlayStation 4 |- |Xbox One |}
== References == {{Reflist}}
== External links == * {{Official website|http://2kczech.com/}}
{{Illusion Softworks}} {{Take-Two Interactive}} {{Authority control}}
Category:2017 disestablishments in the Czech Republic Category:2K (company) Category:Companies based in Brno Category:Czech companies established in 1997 Category:Defunct video game companies of the Czech Republic Category:Take-Two Interactive divisions and subsidiaries Category:Video game companies disestablished in 2017 Category:Video game companies established in 1997 Category:Video game development companies