Next mainline Sid Meier’s Civilization game in development as Heather Hazen named new studio head

The next mainline game in the Sid Meier’s Civilization franchise is in development at Firaxis Games, publisher 2K announced.

The companies also announced the following major staff changes:

• Fixaxis Games studio head Steve Martin will leave the studio after 25 years at the organization.
• Firaxis Games chief operating officer Heather Hazen will replace Martin as studio head. As studio head, Hazen will manage Firaxis Games’ development teams and lead its mission to “build the best strategy games on the planet.” She joined Firaxis Games in 2020, and was previously an executive producer on Fortnite at Epic Games, as well as Plants vs. Zombies and Bejeweled at PopCap Games.
• XCOM franchise and Marvel’s Midnight Suns creative director Jake Solomon will leave the studio after over 20 years at Firaxis Games.

Ed Beach will continue his role as creative director on Sid Meier’s Civilization. Beach has been an “integral part” of the development of Sid Meier’s Civilization series for 15 years, and most recently led the development of Sid Meier’s Civilization VI.

Find quotes from 2K and Firaxis Games below.

David Ismailer – President, 2K

“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.

“Jake revolutionized tactical turn-based games and continually raised the bar for storytelling in the strategy genre. We have deep appreciation for his work and can’t wait to see what he does next.”

Heather Hazen – Studio Head, Firaxis 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. 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. In addition, we will continue to support Marvel’s Midnight Suns with post-launch content, and explore new creative projects for our teams.”

Jake Solomon – Former Creative Director, 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.”