2K Sports has reportedly set up a new studio, Small Axe, led by former FIFA executive producer Aaron McHardy, suggesting it may be developing a major football game to challenge EA Sports FC. The move matters because EA’s series has long dominated the football games market, leaving players with few high-profile alternatives.

McHardy spent more than 17 years at EA, largely working on its football franchise, before departing the company. He said Small Axe is developing 2K’s next AAA sports game, although neither he nor 2K confirmed the sport; the report points to his experience as a strong indication of a football project. Konami’s eFootball remains active but has far less prominence than the former Pro Evolution Soccer series, which lost ground after EA secured extensive club and league licences.