Take-Two Games Opens 2K Marin Studio

Take-Two Interactive has announced the formation of 2K Marin, a new development studio based in California.

The new studio, located in Novato, California, in Marin County, will develop new intellectual properties as well as co-develop products with other 2K studios throughout North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Christoph Hartmann, president of 2K Games, said, "We're focused on continuing to bring new brands and cutting-edge gameplay to market with the creation of the 2K Marin studio. 2K Marin will build upon our success in creating and leveraging AAA franchises."

The studio's formation was first reported following rumors of staff dissatisfaction with BioShock Creative Director Ken Levine. Some members of the Irrational Games development team (now known as 2K Boston) as well as personnel from 2K Australia, have reportedly moved to the 2K Marin studio. A post on the Surfer Girl blog claimed that the new studio would be responsible for developing the sequel to the hit FPS BioShock, while Levine would move on to an unannounced project.