2K Opens New AAA Sports Studio Led by Former EA Sports Veterans - News
by William D'Angelo , posted on 14 August 2026 / 3,249 Views
2K has announced it has opened up a new AAA sports studio led by former EA Sports veterans based in Vancouver, British Columbia called Small Axe Studio.
The studio is led by Aaron McHardy, who was the executive producer on the EA Sports FIFA franchise (now EA Sports FC) for over 15 years until 2021.
Gary Peterson, who worked on the FIFA games back to FIFA 06, is the design head. Other EA Sports veterans at Small Axe includes head of operations Tom Pan, engineering lead Mike Thompson, and technical art director John Cruz.
"A few years ago, we created 2K Sports Lab, a project with great ambitions to explore what’s next in sports gaming. Today, we are officially unveiling what that project has become: Small Axe Studios, our newest AAA development studio, based in Vancouver," reads a press release from 2K.
"Led by Aaron McHardy, Small Axe Studios will endeavor to build 2K’s next blockbuster sports franchise. The studio combines the passion of a startup with the scale of 2K to redefine the future of sports video games. By leveraging our proven expertise with AAA franchises like NBA 2K, WWE 2K and PGA TOUR 2K, Small Axe Studios has the ultimate foundation and long-term commitment to do just that.
"The team we’ve assembled hold an immovable belief in the power of the collective, have an unmatched passion for sport, and the hunger to take on the industry’s boldest challenge."
McHardy in a statement in LinkedIn added, "Alongside 2K, I’m proud to officially unveil Small Axe Studios. I'm honored to lead the team as we set out to create 2K’s next AAA sports game. This studio exists to take on the industry’s boldest challenges, and our name reflects that: with vision, hunger, and focus, a small axe can take down a big tree. I couldn't be prouder of the team we’ve already assembled - or more excited for what's ahead. Want to build a legacy and make your mark on a truly ambitious project? Let’s talk."
A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can follow the author on Bluesky.
More Articles
If 2K is willing make a FIFA branded game, it could really put a dent into EA's dominance of the football game market, you just have to deal with FIFA and I'm not sure they want that kind of corruption rubbing off on them after being free of EA.
Would be pretty swell if EA didn't have an NFL monopoly. As is, this will be some other sport and it will be infested with shitty monetization just like Madden and 2K.
I'm guessing I shouldn't expect this to result in a hockey game on PC any time soon, if ever. It's been so long since there was a proper hockey game on PC...
I’d like to see companies start pressuring the NFL to open up licensing. 2K, Konami, Sega, whoever.
Founded by people who wanted to get away from the Saudis and Kuchner.
Prince Bonesaw has his claws deep in FIFA as well.
Then how about some NON-FIFA sports games?
Oh, and giving the prince a taste of his own medicine?
Stop lying. It literally says this was started years ago.
Leave me alone.
