2K makes Irrational name change

BioShock developers' studios in the US and down under now 2K Boston and 2K Australia, respectively.

One criticism leveled against Take-Two Interactive by analysts is that the company is a one-studio corporation, relying on Rockstar Games to make the company's money while 2K Games and 2K Sports lag behind.

With Take-Two's Irrational Games studio is set to release the much-anticipated BioShock later this month, the publisher today announced a rebranding to "symbolize the studios' further integration into the 2K Games family." Henceforth, Irrational Games' Boston, Massachusetts studio will be 2K Boston, while its offices in Canberra, Australia, will be 2K Australia.

"Irrational Games is widely recognized as one of the most innovative development studios in the world," 2K president Christoph Hartmann said in a statement. "Following their incredible efforts in bringing BioShock to life, we are proud to make the newly renamed Irrational Games studios a cornerstone of our game development family."

It won't be long until gamers can judge those efforts for themselves; BioShock has gone gold for the Xbox 360 and PC and is expected on store shelves August 21 in North America and August 24 in Europe. For more on the game, check out GameSpot's previous coverage.

149 Comments

  • gangsterjc

    Posted Aug 15, 2007 9:22 pm PT

    4 days to go

  • playstation_wii

    Posted Aug 15, 2007 4:09 pm PT

    I think some places released Bioshock early. I'm not telling.

  • MindlessTeef

    Posted Aug 14, 2007 10:01 pm PT

    Ken Levine can't be pleased... he said in a interview that he really likes "irrational games" as a name for a Dev. So did I! 2K Bostan!? They could have just as well renamed the studio to Bob! How boring...

  • Mtlguy

    Posted Aug 14, 2007 11:20 am PT

    Who cares, just bring me another Freedom Force!

  • The_AI

    Posted Aug 13, 2007 1:09 pm PT

    I didn't notice that Bioshock releases so soon... waiting for review.

  • TleeBlue

    Posted Aug 13, 2007 12:55 pm PT

    Never say Never. It is absolutely possible that a game could come out to ps3 unless the game is made by Microsoft. I am not saying Bioshock will be in ps3 but you can't disregard the possibility.

  • Jubei_Hikari

    Posted Aug 13, 2007 12:54 pm PT

    I wonder, what are the chances of it becoming a multi-plat? Since the majority of 2k games are.

  • gangsterjc

    Posted Aug 13, 2007 9:56 am PT

    BIOSHOCK DEMO ON MARKET PLACE WOOHOO

  • squoig

    Posted Aug 13, 2007 9:15 am PT

    masterchief1994: You and me share the same birthday!

    Rock!

  • masterchief1994

    Posted Aug 13, 2007 8:34 am PT

    Know what is retarded Bioshock comes out the day after my birthday. I wonder if my mom would buy a late present it for me? I HOPE SO!!!!!

  • -HCMF-

    Posted Aug 13, 2007 4:08 am PT

    I guess I need to update my address book huh?

  • drangel_jam

    Posted Aug 12, 2007 4:27 pm PT

    I hope they remain with the of soul of this cool name, Irrational Games." That's a very smart move from Take-Two. With a game like Bioshock, it couldn't be a better timing.

  • dn3datomiced

    Posted Aug 12, 2007 3:08 pm PT

    Nothing's worse than a soulless name like "2K Boston". I don't identify studios by their location. I identify them by their name.

    That's why I think a combination of "Irrational" and "2K" is the best compromise: It creates a namesake link with its parent company, and still keeps the studio's chosen moniker. "Irrational 2K".

  • UnknOwN58

    Posted Aug 12, 2007 2:17 pm PT

    I like the name irrational games better but if this gets them more money to make games, thats good.

  • Pit_italy

    Posted Aug 12, 2007 11:42 am PT

    why should this mean we'll have better games?

  • cosmothehound

    Posted Aug 12, 2007 11:09 am PT

    it means we will see more great games like bioshock.

    more money for to make games.

  • wakko19991

    Posted Aug 12, 2007 7:42 am PT

    so what. will this mean the games will be better or someting. why should I as a gamer care...sounds like an internal motivator if anything...

  • RedChris

    Posted Aug 12, 2007 4:57 am PT

    ..ok?

  • Pete5506

    Posted Aug 11, 2007 5:49 pm PT

    thats good, I gess?

  • 360player_eq12

    Posted Aug 11, 2007 5:06 pm PT

    i hate the name 2k....makes me think about dreamcast sports games.

  • loumart08

    Posted Aug 11, 2007 4:07 pm PT

    Lame. If I worked for irrational I would give the person changed the name of my dev team the finger

  • drogaz

    Posted Aug 11, 2007 3:42 pm PT

    Boo...This sucks. Irrational was a much cooler name why couldn't they keep it. Seriously it 2k whatever just makes it sound like a generic corporate studio rather than the innovative developer they are. Hope 2k changes the name back so irrational can have some identity. Fight the power Irrational! Fight the power!

  • Nintendo_Ownes7

    Posted Aug 11, 2007 12:55 pm PT

    The name doesn't really matter, but I did like Irrational better, but what I'm wondering is that since Irrational had to change its name to 2K Boston, and 2K Austrailia. Wy didn't Firaxis have to change its name to 2K Annapolis? since they are located in Annapolis Maryland.

  • Mr_Koenshaku

    Posted Aug 11, 2007 12:34 pm PT

    It's bad enough that these gigantic companies continuously engorge independant developers (and usually stiff them into making/finishing someone else's game for eternity); but at least allow them to keep some of their identity.

    EA, Blizzard, Rockstar, and now these guys.... how many more faceless minions do you need?

    I know it's not as applicable here (yet); but you still have to wonder how it feels to go from being known for what you do to being just another schmuck on the assembly line for your parent company's next big franchise release.

  • SoralinkGS

    Posted Aug 11, 2007 9:58 am PT

    Because "Irrational 2k" sounds worse

  • smarb001

    Posted Aug 11, 2007 1:49 am PT

    stop it with the puns, seriously! anyway, cool.

  • Incubus420

    Posted Aug 10, 2007 11:43 pm PT

    Wonder if they have any Jobs they need filled in the 2K Boston offices.

    KG and the C's take the rings this year!

  • hellfire9988

    Posted Aug 10, 2007 9:11 pm PT

    I predict a GoTY for Bioshock from at least 1 up, gametrailers, IGN, or gamespot, an AAA from gamespot, and at least one AAAA from another site/magazine.

  • R3V3N4N7

    Posted Aug 10, 2007 8:57 pm PT

    Hmmm well thats good I guess.

  • RudeYeT1

    Posted Aug 10, 2007 8:13 pm PT

    Why is it people think Manhunt is a good game? Because it has Rockstar on it?

  • ctg867

    Posted Aug 10, 2007 8:08 pm PT

    I understand them wanting to change the names of their companies to meet the parent companies names, sorta like what Ubisoft and Rockstar do. I'm all for that, as long as they're actually able to publish some better games. Don't forget, that 2K games has published some good and some decent games, so give em a break:

    -Call of Cthulhu
    -Civilization
    -Dungeon Siege
    -Jade Empire
    -Prey
    -Serious Sam
    -Sid Meier's Games
    -The Darkness
    -The Elder Scrolls

    Also, you have 2K Sports:

    -All Pro Football 2K
    -Amped
    -College Hoops 2K
    -Links
    -Major League Baseball 2K
    -NBA 2K
    -NFL 2K
    -NHL 2K
    -Top Spin
    -The Bigs

    Though I think we'd all agree that Rockstar has a much better lineup of games then both those studios.

    -Bully
    -Grand Theft Auto
    -Manhunt
    -Max Panye
    -Midnight Club
    -Oni
    -Red Dead Revolver
    -Skate and Destroy
    -Smuggler's Run
    -State of Emergency
    -Table Tennis
    -The Italian Job
    -The Warriors

    Over time, they were able to pump out more and more new IPs. Also note that Rockstar has always had the rights to these games, while 2K Games has not always had the rights to some of the games it is publishing. Basically, give 2K Games and 2K Sports a break, they both make good games, just not as good as Rockstar.

  • shortyman920

    Posted Aug 10, 2007 7:29 pm PT

    Well, I never heard of Irrational games, but I definitely know 2k. W/e. I hope they release Bioshock for ps3 so then they can have even more sales. Take Two needs the money.

  • clawboy

    Posted Aug 10, 2007 7:12 pm PT

    How far has this company fallen? So sad.

  • GUTZandRAGE

    Posted Aug 10, 2007 7:03 pm PT

    2K Boston? That's it! I'm not buying any more games made by those clowns.

  • dn3datomiced

    Posted Aug 10, 2007 7:00 pm PT

    Boo! That is a TERRIBLE name change!

    2k Boston is so generic. Why not a half/half with something like Irrational 2k?

  • arcsphere

    Posted Aug 10, 2007 6:28 pm PT

    Considering that Irrational Games has built up a lot of respect and there name is synonymous with quailty games, this is stupid. If you tell me a game is being developed by Irrational Games I'm going to be immediately interested. If you tell me about a game developed by 2k Boston I'll probably be indifferent until I make the connection back to Irrational Games.

  • AceDonald

    Posted Aug 10, 2007 5:47 pm PT

    Why the heck did they have to change their name? It wouldn't make any difference!

  • GoodkupoBan

    Posted Aug 10, 2007 5:26 pm PT

    I guess this doesn't make much of a difference but it does however make the developers lose it's independence, i guess.
    I don't like that Irrational greatness will be masked with the name 2k Boston though.

  • ppau08223

    Posted Aug 10, 2007 5:18 pm PT

    MangyForestCat i agree with you mate, but still no really cares bout the name of the company as long as the games rock. and personally i think irrational ia a much better name

  • LordLeckie

    Posted Aug 10, 2007 5:10 pm PT

    Seems like a strange little move, oh well dosent change anything

  • bghattas

    Posted Aug 10, 2007 5:06 pm PT

    Nothing like having companies with cool names like Irrational Games now being saddled with new names like 2K Boston. Hey, as long as the games are great, who cares about the name?

    BTW, when Sega allowed their developers to choose their own names, they certainly picked some unusual names. Smilebit? Sega Rosso?

  • MangyForestCat

    Posted Aug 10, 2007 4:51 pm PT

    This is almost but not quite as bad as the Revolution changing to Wii... bleh.... But like comthitnuong says, I guess the name shouldn't matter.

  • Karmacodelc18

    Posted Aug 10, 2007 4:49 pm PT

    Yeah seriously...who cares about the name of the company. Just give us good games...

    Yo 2K good work with All-Pro Football...now add a deep franchise mode and more customization options you'll have a gem.

  • comthitnuong

    Posted Aug 10, 2007 4:42 pm PT

    Irrational was a much better name..But I guess the name shouldn't matter.

  • rl_41

    Posted Aug 10, 2007 4:36 pm PT

    I don't care about what your company is named. I care about what your company gives me.

  • Chirico_Cuvie

    Posted Aug 10, 2007 3:55 pm PT

    I don't like the change. Irrational was right up there with BioWare as far as name recognition. Since Bioshock is going to be making most of the profits this year for 2K, they should get to keep the name. I really dislike the whole 2K Boston, or EA Chicago studio naming. It reminds of obnoxious Hard Rock Cafe t-shirts on tourists. I don't care where the studio is, I care what they put out, I didn't even know where Irrational was located, and I've been following Bioshock since 2003. 2K is a stupid name anyway, it reminds me of the old sports games on Dreamcast and the Y2K bug. Change the whole company's name to something else before screwing up the names of studios you own.

  • umbrae

    Posted Aug 10, 2007 3:47 pm PT

    I hope they are not doing this because Bioshock is going to suck. 2K ruins just as many games as EA.

  • fartys

    Posted Aug 10, 2007 3:38 pm PT

    I can go on and on and ooooonnnnnnn! BUT WHO CARES!?

  • Rentago

    Posted Aug 10, 2007 3:27 pm PT

    SpruceCaboose, I don't know what your talking about, Doom was dark hallways 24/7 and even when you get outside you got no more space or light than a dark hallway. Compared to Doom, Bioshock has more. Doom didn't even give a roll playing aspect... Though I understand where you pull this out of. Underwater, is not the same as MARS and ontop of that IT AIN'T SO DARK YOU NEED A FLASH LIGHT. So really, where the hell are you getting this?

Hot Stories

Newsmakers

Featured Stories

Submit News

Got tips? Send them in!

Related Game

BioShock Boxshot
BioShock

Game Stats

  • Rank:
    259 of 59,060
    (down by 1)
    PC Rank:
    84 of 11,438
    Tracking:
    14,336 Track It»
    Wishlists:
    5,907 Wish It»
  • Users Now Playing:
    3,195
  • Number of Players:

    1 Player

  • Top 5 User Tags:
    1. bioshock
    2. fps
    3. 2k games
    4. sci-fi
    5. pc
  • Mature Rating Description

    Titles rated M (Mature) have content that may be suitable for persons ages 17 and older. Titles in this category may contain intense violence, blood and gore, sexual content and/or strong language. Learn more

Full Game Details »Close
Also on

Site Blogs