Take Two Acquires Illusion Softworks

Take Two continues to expand its in-house development facilities, adding Czech Republic-based developer Illusion Softworks to its stable.

The development studio, which employs approximately 200 people, is best known for the Mafia, Hidden & Dangerous and Vietcong franchises, which will also fall under the ownership of 2K. The studio has also announced it is at work on a new next-gen title for D3Publisher, currently slated for release in late 2008. In keeping with 2K tradition, the studio has been renamed to 2K Czech.

"Adding 2K Czech to our network of development studios demonstrates our strong commitment to creating great franchises and building world-class creative teams," said 2K President Christoph Hartmann.
"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."

Ben Feder, CEO of Take Two, added, "The acquisition of Illusion Softworks reflects our strategic focus on owning high-value intellectual property as we continue to expand our portfolio of AAA titles."