2K Czech / Illusion Softworks

2K Czech / Illusion Softworks is a developer.

2K Czech / Illusion Softworks Webpage

5A Czech game development studio that operated from 1997 to 2017. 2K Czech, originally founded as Illusion Softworks, earned widespread recognition mainly for developing the first two installments of the Mafia series. In 2017, the team was acquired by Hangar 13.

History

The studio’s story started in 1997, when the Brno-based team launched as Illusion Softworks, led by Petr Vochozka and Jan Kudera. Later that same year, the studio released its debut project, a PC platform-puzzle game called Lurid Land.

Illusion Softworks gained international recognition with Hidden & Dangerous, a tactical shooter released for PC in 1999 and later ported to consoles. The game was well-received by both players and critics, and it eventually spawned a sequel, Hidden & Dangerous 2, which launched in 2003.

However, it was the action game Mafia: The City of Lost Heaven, released for PC in 2002 (and later for consoles in 2004), that truly cemented Illusion Softworks’ place in video game history. The game quickly gained cult status and went on to spawn a series, with sequels developed over the following years.

Before Mafia II hit the shelves, Illusion Softworks released another tactical shooter series. Vietcong, its first installment, debuted on PC in 2003. In 2008, Illusion Softworks was acquired by Take-Two Interactive and brought under the umbrella of 2K Games. After the acquisition, the studio was renamed 2K Czech. Mafia II launched in 2010. While it didn’t quite match the acclaim of the original, it was still both an artistic and commercial success.

In July 2011, several 2K Czech employees left the studio to co-found Warhorse Studios, teaming up with former members of Bohemia Interactive. In September, the studio faced a major round of layoffs, cutting roughly a quarter of its workforce. In January 2014, 2K Czech decided to close its Prague studio, moving most of its staff to Brno.

Although 2K Czech contributed to the development of Mafia III (2016), it served in a supporting role, with Hangar 13 taking the lead. In 2017, Hangar 13 absorbed 2K Czech, bringing the studio’s independent history to a close.