This -press release announces Take Two Interactive has acquired developer
Illusion Softworks, who are currently at work on a sequel to Mafia, their
organized crime game. Word is they are renaming the studio 2K Czech:
NEW
YORK--(Business Wire)--Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ:TTWO) today
announced the acquisition of Illusion Softworks, a premier Central
European-based game development studio with operations in Brno and Prague, the
Czech Republic. Illusion Softworks has approximately 200 employees and will join
Take-Two's 2K Games publishing label as its newest studio, 2K Czech.
Established in 1997, Illusion Softworks is the creator and owner of several hit
video game franchises, including Mafia, Hidden & Dangerous and Vietcong. The
studio is currently working with 2K Games on Mafia II, the sequel to the
original Mafia, which helped establish the gangster genre and sold more than two
million units.
"The acquisition of Illusion Softworks reflects our strategic focus on owning
high-value intellectual property as we continue to expand our portfolio of
triple-A titles," said Ben Feder, Chief Executive Officer of Take-Two.
Christoph Hartmann, President of 2K, said, "Adding 2K Czech to our network of
development studios demonstrates our strong commitment to creating great
franchises and building world-class creative teams. The 2K Czech team is
responsible for several very innovative and highly-regarded franchises and we
look forward to continuing to develop new and existing IP together."
"We have an excellent working relationship with 2K Games and the utmost respect
for them," said Petr Vochozka, CEO of 2K Czech. "We are pleased to become a 2K
studio and are confident that this new partnership will strengthen our current
and future projects."