Most notably, Firaxis Games has remains as a staple in the video game industry thanks to its staple IP – Civilization. In 2016, Civilization VI arrived and followed that was the team’s stretch into other franchises as well. For one, SOCOM received a new installment with the 2020 spin-off ‘SOCOM: Chimera Squad.
In 2021, 2K & Marvel revealed Firaxis Games will be helming a Midnight Suns title following the iconic strategy formula the developer is noted for. It was not until this past December that Marvel’s Midnight Suns officially shipped. Currently, the post-launch plans for the game includes Deadpool, Venom, Morbius, and Storm coming to the game.
Recently, Firaxis Games and 2K revealed the next Civilization game is finally in motion and with that a new studio head is here. Replacing Firaxis 25-year veteran Steve Martin is company chief operating officer Heather Hazen. Jake Solomon, creative director for Firaxis’ latest Marvel’s Midnight Suns, is also departing after his 2o years at the firm.
We are excited to welcome Heather Hazen as the new Studio Head of Firaxis Games, and believe she will continue to drive the success Firaxis has consistently delivered as part of 2K’s independent studio model. 2K and Firaxis Games are deeply grateful for the foundation that Steve Martin set during his time at the studio, shepherding more than 30 game launches across three genre-defining franchises, and for ensuring a smooth transition for Heather into her new role. Firaxis is one of our company and industry’s most renowned studios, and we are confident that the team will continue to do great things under her leadership.
David Ismailer, 2K President
“I’m thrilled to have this opportunity to carry on the studio’s storied legacy, beginning with the announcement that Firaxis is in development on the next iteration of the legendary Civilization franchise,” Hazen writes in the press release. “I’m lucky to be working with some of the best developers in our industry, and we have plans to take the Civilization franchise to exciting new heights for our millions of players around the world.”
Solomon also gave a statement on his departure from Firaxis Games: “I’m embarking on a new chapter; however, I am incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to fulfill my dreams at Firaxis Games. I’m thankful to everyone who enjoyed XCOM and Marvel’s Midnight Suns, and to my development and publishing partners who helped bring those games to life.”
Are you interested on the future of Civilization with a new studio head at the helm?
Source: 2K
