NBA 2K Update: Take-Two Acquires HookBang to Boost Game Development
In a major NBA 2K update, the basketball franchise got a major boost thanks to Take-Two Interactive acquiring HookBang LLC. On Tuesday morning, news arrived that Take-Two had officially acquired HookBang to help with the development of the 2K series. That could help improve the one and only game currently in the basketball space as it looks towards building for next-generation consoles.
Take-Two acquires HookBang in major NBA 2K update
In an NBA 2K update statement released on Take-Two Interactive’s website, 2K revealed that the Austin-based video game division HookBang, LLC, will become part of Visual Concepts. Visual is the studio and developer behind the NBA 2K franchise.
Take-Two did not disclose the financial terms of the deal, per their statement. However, Take-Two revealed that the newly-acquired team would operate under the name Visual Concepts Austin.
The team will operate from a “to-be-announced new location in the Austin, Texas metropolitan area.” They also plan to employ hundreds of developers to support NBA 2K.
Originally founded in 2012, HookBang recently partnered with Visual Concepts to help with the art, design, and engineering support on the NBA 2K21 title.
Frank Roan, CEO at HookBang, commented on the recent news of 2K’s acquisition:
“Working with a studio as prominent as Visual Concepts on NBA 2K21 was an extraordinary opportunity for HookBang. “Formally joining Visual Concepts and 2K allows us to accelerate our impact on the product, the company and the Austin development community,” Roan said.
Fans looking forward to next-gen 2K22
The recent acquisition news should give fans a bit more confidence for the next NBA 2K update in the franchise. NBA 2K22 will likely be the first game with the next-gen experience in mind first and foremost.
With NBA 2K21, fans saw the game arrive first for the current-generation PlayStation 4 and Xbox One consoles. The Next Gen Edition arrived a bit later for the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. The November launch was in conjunction with the console’s late 2020 release dates.
“NBA 2K is a vital part of 2K’s publishing business and the larger video game industry, as well as a fixture in global pop culture lexicon,” said Greg Thomas, President at Visual Concepts.
“We have made many investments in NBA 2K over the years, each of which has helped us reach new heights. HookBang has partnered with us on NBA 2K for the past couple of years, and we’re pleased to welcome its talented team to the Visual Concepts family,” he added.
The news of the HookBang acquisition comes not long after another big announcement involving Take-Two Interactive. Just last week, the company announced a long-term deal with golf star Tiger Woods. That will allow the use of Tiger’s name and likeness in future golf video games.
As far as what the future holds for NBA 2K, fans will have to wait and see. With NBA 2K22 possibly five months away, it seems like a step in the right direction with HookBang in place.