# 2K

> American video game publisher

**Wikidata**: [Q94937](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q94937)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2K_(company))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/2k

## Summary
2K is a prominent American video game publisher and developer that operates as a subsidiary of Take-Two Interactive. Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Novato, California, the company is a major producer of software within the global video game industry, managing a diverse portfolio of sports and entertainment titles.

## Key Facts
- **Founded:** January 25, 2005
- **Parent Organization:** Take-Two Interactive
- **Headquarters:** Novato, California, United States
- **Industry:** Video game industry and software development
- **Legal Form:** Privately held company
- **Major Subsidiaries:** 2K Czech and Hangar 13
- **Key Labels:** 2K Play (launched in 2007 to replace Global Star Software)
- **Notable Affiliates:** Game designer and programmer Sid Meier

## FAQs
### Q: Who is the parent company of 2K?
A: 2K is owned and operated by Take-Two Interactive, an American video game publisher, developer, and distributor founded in 1993.

### Q: What kind of games does 2K publish?
A: 2K publishes a wide range of titles, including major sports franchises like NBA 2K and WWE 2K, strategy games such as the Civilization series, and action titles like Mafia II and The Quarry.

### Q: When was 2K established?
A: The company was officially founded on January 25, 2005.

### Q: Where is 2K located?
A: The company's global headquarters is located in Novato, California.

## Why It Matters
2K is a central pillar of the interactive entertainment industry, serving as one of the primary publishing arms for Take-Two Interactive. Its significance lies in its ability to manage high-budget "AAA" franchises that define their respective genres, particularly in the sports simulation and grand strategy markets. By overseeing specialized development studios like Hangar 13 and 2K Czech, the company maintains a consistent output of complex software across multiple platforms, including PC, consoles, and mobile devices. 2K’s market presence is further solidified by its competitive standing against other industry giants such as Electronic Arts, Ubisoft, and Activision Blizzard, making it a key driver of trends and technical standards in modern gaming.

## Notable For
- **Sports Simulations:** Publishing the globally recognized NBA 2K and WWE 2K series, including specialized versions like the NBA 2K22 Arcade Edition.
- **Strategic Partnerships:** Long-standing affiliation with Sid Meier for the development of the Civilization series.
- **Studio Acquisitions:** Integration of international developers such as the Czech-based 2K Czech and the Novato-based Hangar 13.
- **Premium Editions:** Releasing comprehensive game packages such as the WWE 2K23 Icon Edition and The Quarry: Deluxe Edition.

## Body

### Corporate Structure and Ownership
2K is a wholly owned subsidiary of Take-Two Interactive. It operates as a privately held entity within the video game industry. While it is primarily known as a publisher, it is also classified as a video game developer. The company's operations are centralized in Novato, California, though it maintains a global reach through its various subsidiaries and distribution networks.

### History and Brand Evolution
The company was established on January 25, 2005. Over its history, 2K has updated its visual identity several times, introducing its most recent logo in 2021. In 2007, the company expanded its market reach by launching the **2K Play** label, which was designed to handle casual gaming and replaced the existing Global Star Software brand.

### Subsidiary Developers
2K manages several key development organizations:
- **2K Czech:** A Czech Republic-based developer founded in 1997 (formerly Illusion Softworks). As of 2019, it employed approximately 110 people and is headquartered in Brno.
- **Hangar 13:** An American developer founded on December 4, 2014, based in Novato, California.
- **Indie Built:** An American development company founded in 1983 and based in Salt Lake City, which became part of the 2K ecosystem.

### Software and Product Portfolio
2K’s output spans various genres and formats:
- **Core Franchises:** Includes the *Civilization* series (e.g., *Civilization IV: Colonization*), *NBA 2K*, and *WWE 2K*.
- **Action and Horror:** Titles such as *The Quarry* and the *Mafia* series.
- **Digital Content:** The company produces significant downloadable content (DLC), such as the *Jimmy's Vendetta* pack for *Mafia II*.
- **Mobile and Casual:** Development of titles like *NBA 2K22 Arcade Edition* and the management of the *2K Play* label.

### Industry Competition
2K competes directly with major international publishers and developers, including:
- **North American Competitors:** Electronic Arts, Activision Blizzard, Epic Games, and Riot Games.
- **European Competitors:** Ubisoft, Paradox Interactive, and Crytek.
- **Asian Competitors:** Nintendo, Bandai Namco Entertainment, Square Enix, and Tencent.

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## References

1. IGDB
2. LastDodo
3. MobyGames
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. MusicBrainz
6. National Software Reference Library
7. [Take-Two partners with Nickelodeon, launches casual game label 2K Play. 2007](https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2007/09/take-two-partners-with-nickelodeon-launches-casual-game-label-2k-play/)
8. [Source](http://km.aifb.kit.edu/services/crunchbase/)
9. Quora
10. [Company:2K Games - PCGamingWiki PCGW - bugs, fixes, crashes, mods, guides and improvements for every PC game](https://www.pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/Company:2K_Games)
11. HAL
12. [Source](https://golden.com/wiki/2K_Games-ANJPR9)
13. YouTube API
14. [2K Company Culture | Comparably](https://www.comparably.com/companies/2k)
15. [WiiG | Spieledatenbank](http://wiig.de/publisher/20/2K-Games/)
16. Video Games Chronicle