Take-Two Uses Their Illusion
Oh, they grow up so quickly these days! Today, Take-Two announced that it has acquired Illusion Softworks. Who? Well, apparently, they're a "premier Central European-based game development studio." No? Well, they were responsible for Hidden & Dangerous, Vietcong, and Mafia. The studio, now known as 2K Czech, will be working with 2K Games on the sequel, Mafia II. (Original title, eh?)
The press release also says that Mafia II was "bred from enormous fan demand" and is "the sequel to the classic free roaming action-crime game that mesmerized gamers around the world." Really? "Mesmerized?" Really? Well, I never played it. Did any of you?
If you want to read the rest of the release, it's waiting for you after the jump!
Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. Acquires Illusion Softworks
New York, NY - January 8, 2008 - 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."
About Mafia II
Bred from enormous fan demand, Mafia II is the sequel to the classic free roaming action-crime game that mesmerized gamers around the world. Mafia II takes players on an unforgettable journey interacting with Empire City's Mafia crime families from the early '50s. Intense gameplay and a script by Daniel Vavra, the scriptwriter of the original Mafia, provide the perfect synergy of action and award-winning storytelling. The title is being developed for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, and Games for Windows®.
Wootini
Posted to Video Games on 8 January 2008
· Comments (4)
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Name: Dave
I played Mafia for about half an hour once. I tried really hard to like it, but just couldn't do it. I'd be willing to give Mafia II a chance though.
I liked it for the most part, but it seemed a little confused as to what it was trying to be. It felt like they didn't want to be a GTA-rip-off so they made you do a bunch of goofy shit that didn't work so well.
Hopefully they've learned from this.
Mafia is one of the best games of all time.
It was definitley one of the best PC games Ive ever played. Not as good on consoles though. But still a way better than a gangsta-nigga-i-dont-know-what-more GTA.