Take2 and the Future of 2K Sports

[brendanrfoley]

http://kotaku.com/5463087/rumor-take...tal-workforce-[update]

Take2 is reducing 20% of its workforce, though layoffs are on a corporate level (not studio). This is a good thing in the short term for its major sports franchises (MLB, NBA and NHL) but I imagine jobs will be lost on the development level if Take2 does not start making money. The NHL franchise would (I imagine) be the first to fall.

There are also indications shareholders may pressure Take2 to sell itself. EA tried in the past, but is not in position to do so now. That leaves a select few publishers that could afford it; Activision and Disney Interactive come to mind.

It's increasingly clear the MLB exclusive license (and the NFL license for EA) is an albatross around Take2's neck. I will be shocked if either publisher renews there exclusive deals with those leagues when they expire; they have proven they aren't worth it.

[Blzer]

Re: Take2 and the Future of 2K Sports

I don't see why Take-Two would ever sell themselves when they have Rockstar North giving them Grand Theft Auto.

I just hope they don't lose any more 2K games after College Hoops. It's just shameful to see how little baseball games there are today (remember the year when there was 2K, MLB, MVP, High Heat, All Star, SlugFest, and Inside Pitch?).

[nemesis04]

Re: Take2 and the Future of 2K Sports

I believe the MLB said they were not doing another exclusive deal after the current one expired.

[The Living Legend]

Re: Take2 and the Future of 2K Sports

Thank god, exclusive deal's suck for the consumer for video games as far as i feel.

[brendanrfoley]

Re: Take2 and the Future of 2K Sports

To Blzer's comment, I don't think Take2 will be forced to sell itself.

The company is hemorrhaging cash and it has some very valuable assets. In fact, the fact it has such a valuable commodity (Rockstar) keeps the price high -- that's good for shareholders.

[Senor_Herbatron]

Re: Take2 and the Future of 2K Sports

Neither companies put out good enough franchises to hold exclusive rights. Its not fair to the consumers.

I can't wait for the day we have a 2k NFL game again.

[Jamin23]

Re: Take2 and the Future of 2K Sports

I believe the MLB said they were not doing another exclusive deal after the current one expired.

Yes!!!!!

[bp4baseball]

Re: Take2 and the Future of 2K Sports

Yes!!!!!

agreed

[myghty]

Re: Take2 and the Future of 2K Sports

I believe the MLB said they were not doing another exclusive deal after the current one expired.

Screenshot or it didnt happen...

[kcxiv]

Re: Take2 and the Future of 2K Sports

2K games has some damned good selling games as well> Boarderlands, Bioshock and Bioshock 2 will be out shortly. Civ series and Irrational Games is coming out with something soon. Some top Secret Project thats supposed to be reveled soon.

the NBA2K series os doing well. IMO, they should just dump NHL and stick with making football games. I am sure its cheaper and sells about the same. Give customization like the consumer wants and you may have something that can make money.

[Blzer]

Re: Take2 and the Future of 2K Sports

IMO, they should just dump NHL and stick with making football games. I am sure its cheaper and sells about the same. Give customization like the consumer wants and you may have something that can make money.

I think it would have been nice if they picked up and published Backbreaker while it didn't have anyone.

[kcxiv]

Re: Take2 and the Future of 2K Sports

I think it would have been nice if they picked up and published Backbreaker while it didn't have anyone.

i would love to see 2k take that leap and get euphoria and take a year or 2 to work on a football game. Even if its just part time working on it for a while. Some sports company is going to have to make that jump. Its going to happen, but who?

[Bellsprout]

Re: Take2 and the Future of 2K Sports

Neither companies put out good enough franchises to hold exclusive rights. Its not fair to the consumers.

That doesn't matter. It's all about money, not product quality. If product quality mattered EA would have the baseball license and 2k would have football.

I really don't think EA is going to let go of football, despite what some of you seem to be wishing for. The chunk that 2k would take out of their Madden sales would negate the money saved by not renewing the license.

[Blzer]

Re: Take2 and the Future of 2K Sports

i would love to see 2k take that leap and get euphoria and take a year or 2 to work on a football game. Even if its just part time working on it for a while. Some sports company is going to have to make that jump. Its going to happen, but who?

I mean, I'm not even saying they had to pick up Euphoria. I'm just saying they could have published the game that's being made at this moment. Remember that long window where Backbreaker might not have come out because of no publisher? I just think that was somewhat of an opportunity for them to jump on something, and for the time being at least claim it as "their" football game.

That way down the road if they feel like it was successful enough, then maybe they could try a different project with it if they felt it was necessary (or adapt a sequel). More money in their pockets.

[kcxiv]

Re: Take2 and the Future of 2K Sports

I mean, I'm not even saying they had to pick up Euphoria. I'm just saying they could have published the game that's being made at this moment. Remember that long window where Backbreaker might not have come out because of no publisher? I just think that was somewhat of an opportunity for them to jump on something, and for the time being at least claim it as "their" football game.

That way down the road if they feel like it was successful enough, then maybe they could try a different project with it if they felt it was necessary (or adapt a sequel). More money in their pockets.

Maybe Take Two and some VC dev's took a look at it and passed on it. Maybe they didnt want what they were doing associated with what 2K football is. We dont now. I am sure many publishers looked at BB to see if its something they wanted to invest in.

We dont know anything behind the scenes. Maybe even EA looked and said pass.