In the world of video games, some companies have shaped the very history of modern gaming. For example, have you heard of 2K and Take-Two Interactive? Take-Two Interactive is a major parent company that operates various studios under its umbrella, including 2K and the renowned Rockstar Games. Together, they create games that attract millions of fans worldwide. 2K is famous for its series that release annually on consoles and PC, and to be honest, have become iconic for many players. The team at Take-Two, in turn, ensures all its divisions work smoothly, efficiently, and creatively. This allows them to release projects that are both engaging for players and profitable for the company. More at vancouver-future.
In this article, we’ll explore how 2K and Take-Two operate, what games they create, who they collaborate with, and why their projects are so important to the entire industry.
Structure and Organization
2K was established in January 2005 as a subsidiary of Take-Two Interactive. It started as a small venture, but over time, it grew into a powerful entity with several divisions: 2K Games, 2K Sports, and 2K Play. Each has its own specialty. For instance, the specialists at 2K Games focus on creating a wide range of games, from tactical shooters to action-adventure titles. The experts at 2K Sports produce sports simulators that become huge hits among fans of basketball, baseball, and other sports. Meanwhile, 2K Play develops simple, family-friendly games that appeal to gamers of all ages, genders, and preferences.
Take-Two Interactive oversees these divisions at a managerial level, providing financial backing, marketing support, and overall growth strategy without interfering in the creative process. This is how the larger team combines the creative ideas of developers with solid business plans to produce games loved by people all over the world.
2K’s Most Famous Games and Franchises
2K has gained immense popularity thanks to franchises that have become iconic in the video game world. Let’s take a closer look at them.
- NBA 2K – A basketball simulator that has been released annually since 1999. Players can create their own athlete, build a career, and manage teams. The series is known for its highly realistic animations, licenses for all NBA and WNBA leagues, and the integration of esports through the NBA 2K League, which launched in 2018.
- Borderlands – A series that blends the shooter and RPG genres, with the first installment released in 2009. The Borderlands games are famous for their vibrant comic-book art style, dark humour, and a massive, combinable arsenal of weapons. In 2024, Take-Two acquired Gearbox Entertainment, the studio behind Borderlands, for $460 million, highlighting the series’ importance to the company.
- BioShock – A first-person shooter with a deep plot and a unique atmosphere. The first game, released in 2007, intertwines action with social commentary and art. Experience has shown that this combination is what players find most interesting and captivating. This is confirmed by the numerous awards BioShock has received, including Game of the Year from various publications.
- Civilization – A series of grand strategy games from Sid Meier, which 2K has been publishing since 2005 after acquiring the rights. The player guides a civilization from antiquity to the modern era, developing technology, building cities, and engaging in diplomacy. The latest installment, Civilization VI, was released in 2016, but updates and expansions are still being developed.
- Mafia – A series that immerses players in the criminal underworld of the 1930s to the 1980s. The first game came out in 2002. Mafia is known for its detailed historical settings, period-accurate cars, and compelling storyline. The latest release, Mafia: Definitive Edition, came out in 2020, featuring updated graphics and modernized gameplay.
These franchises have not only become benchmarks in their genres but also continue to influence the industry by setting new standards for graphics, storytelling, and gameplay. Critics are just as captivated as the millions of players worldwide.
Collaboration with Other Companies and Studios
2K actively collaborates with various studios and partners to expand its portfolio and make its games more appealing to customers. One of the most significant moves was the acquisition of Gearbox Entertainment in 2024. This studio is known for developing the highly popular Borderlands series, celebrated for its unique humour, graphic style, and vast selection of weapons. The deal with Take-Two was worth $460 million and gave 2K direct access to the studio’s creative talent to expand the franchise with new projects on consoles and PC.
Another key element of their strategy is Private Division, a boutique publishing label also acquired in 2024. It allows the company to support smaller studios and experimental projects while still focusing on large-scale AAA releases and mobile games. This strategy helps 2K developers remain adaptable in the market, experiment with different genres and game formats, without sacrificing their core franchises.
Beyond studios, 2K works closely with the NBA and WNBA leagues, which makes the NBA 2K series incredibly realistic. This allows fans to join virtual tournaments, build their own teams, and interact with game content. These partnerships also give fans access to esports leagues, offline events, and various interactive platforms.
In 2025, 2K is preparing several major releases, including Civilization VII, Mafia: The Old Country, and Borderlands 4, as well as new installments of NBA 2K and WWE 2K. In parallel, the company is developing NBA Take-Two Media, a joint media project with the NBA that will feature serialized video content, offline meetups, and deep social media integration. This approach will allow the brand to expand far beyond the gaming industry and influence broader pop culture.
The Company’s Role in the Industry’s Development
2K and Take-Two Interactive don’t just create games; they actively shape the development of the entire industry. The companies constantly experiment with new mechanics and technologies, making the gaming experience more engaging and realistic. This responsible approach to their work allows fans to feel like a true part of the game world.
Esports has become another important area for 2K. The NBA 2K League, launched in 2018, allows professional players and teams to compete in virtual basketball. The league attracts fans from around the world and makes the NBA 2K series even more interactive and dynamic. The companies are also actively expanding their presence on mobile platforms. In 2021, Take-Two acquired Social Point, a studio specializing in mobile games. Following this, their developers began creating high-quality content for smartphone and tablet users, winning over a new base of satisfied customers.
As for what’s next, the companies have already hinted at several highly anticipated releases (all mentioned above). The developers of Borderlands 4 will continue to enhance the iconic series with massive, freely explorable locations and its signature humour, while the team behind Sid Meier’s Civilization VII will introduce new approaches and mechanics for fans of grand strategy. This shows that everyone involved with 2K and Take-Two is committed to keeping up with competitors, staying on top of trends, and delivering unforgettable experiences to players from their beloved craft.