Next Sid Meier’s Civilization game in development
Publisher Take-Two Interactive and developer Firaxis Games have confirmed on February 17, 2023, that the next iteration of Sid Meier’s Civilization is being developed at the studio. Ed Beach, who spearheaded the development of Sid Meier’s Civilization VI as Creative Director, will serve in the same role for the next title.
This will be the first game of the popular turn-based strategy franchise to be produced under the aegis of Heather Hazen. The former COO of Firaxis has been promoted to Studio Head, having joined the company in 2020. She replaces Steve Martin, who leaves Firaxis after more than 25 years and over 30 released video games.
“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”, declared Hazen.
Firaxis
Sid Meier’s Civilization VI was released in 2016 and is currently receiving what fans had already speculated to be a final wave of DLC, adding a bunch of new leaders to the game.
She also announced continued support for Marvel’s Midnight Suns, one of 2022’s best strategy games.
That’s not the end of staff changes at Firaxis: Jake Solomon, former Creative Director of XCOM and Marvel’s Midnight Suns, is leaving the studio as well. He was with the developer for over 20 years.
His next destination is currently unknown, though from his statement it sounds like he’s done with tactical turn-based games for the time being. This genre has seen a great upswing in the last couple of years – in no small part because of Solomon’s work on XCOM.
