Take-Two Interactive has announced the acquisition of Illusion Softworks, the Czech developer behind games such as the "Mafia" series, "Hidden and Dangerous," and "Vietcong."

"Illusion Softworks has approximately 200 employees and will join Take-Two’s 2K Games publishing label as its newest studio, 2K Czech.

“The acquisition of Illusion Softworks reflects our strategic focus on owning high-value intellectual property as we continue to expand our portfolio of triple-A titles,” said Ben Feder, Chief Executive Officer of Take-Two.

Christoph Hartmann, President of 2K, said, “Adding 2K Czech to our network of development studios demonstrates our strong commitment to creating great franchises and building world-class creative teams. The 2K Czech team is responsible for several very innovative and highly-regarded franchises and we look forward to continuing to develop new and existing IP together.”

“We have an excellent working relationship with 2K Games and the utmost respect for them,” said Petr Vochozka, CEO of 2K Czech. “We are pleased to become a 2K studio and are confident that this new partnership will strengthen our current and future projects.”

The studio is currently working with 2K Games on Mafia II, the sequel to the original Mafia, which helped establish the gangster genre and sold more than two million units."