2K Games lands Irrational

by: Chuck - posted: 1/9/2006 5:49:00 PM

2K Games sends word that they have purchased Irrational Games .  This is the latest in their recent acquisition binge (they purchased Firaxis not too long ago).  It's a big pick up for 2K as it will give them the rights to the upcoming Bioshock (a spiritual successor to System Shock) as well as the Freedom Force franchise

TAKE-TWO INTERACTIVE SOFTWARE, INC. ACQUIRES IRRATIONAL GAMES
-- Acclaimed Developer Joins 2K’s Roster of Development Studios --     

New York, NY – January 9, 2006 – Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO) today announced the acquisition of Irrational Games, the award-winning development studio behind such titles as System Shock 2 and Freedom Force. Irrational Games joins the team of development studios under Take-Two’s 2K Games publishing label.
 
2K Games has multiple titles in development at Irrational’s North American and Australian studios. The first title to be published under the 2K Games label will be BioShock, a role-playing shooter for next-generation console systems and PC. Already anticipated by the gaming press as one of the most innovative next-generation titles, BioShock is planned for release in early 2007.
 
“We saw a rare opportunity with Irrational Games, a development studio that has consistently produced creative and original games,” said Christoph Hartmann, Managing Director at 2K Games. Susan Lewis, VP of Business Development at 2K Games, added, “2K Games will provide additional resources and support to the Irrational team so they may continue to deliver cutting-edge games.”
 
“We are excited to be aligned with a publishing label like 2K Games that shares similar development goals and vision,” said Ken Levine, co-founder and President of Irrational Games. “Fans will be blown away when they see the next-generation titles we are working on.”