Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. 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.