Starting off today, 2K Games has announced some changes in Firaxis Games’ structure, and confirmed their immediate plans going forward.
The first announcement is that Firaxis Games Chief Operating Officer, Heather Hazen, has been promoted to Studio Head. According to 2K Games:
As Studio Head, Hazen will manage Firaxis Games’ development teams and lead its mission to build the best strategy games on the planet. With 22 years of experience in gaming and entertainment, Hazen joined Firaxis Games in 2020 as the studio’s Chief Operating Officer. Prior to Firaxis Games, she was an Executive Producer on Fortnite at Epic Games, as well as Plants vs. Zombies and Bejeweled while at PopCap Games.
This promotion comes as longtime Firaxis Studio Head, Steve Martin, leaves the studio after more than 25 years.
Ed Beach will continue in his role as Creative Director on the forthcoming Civilization. On the other hand, Jake Solomon, former Creative Director of the XCOM franchise and Marvel’s Midnight Suns, will be departing the studio. Solomon leaves after over two decades at Firaxis Games
This studio structure announcements come as 2K Games and Firaxis Games confirm that the next mainline game in the Sid Meier’s Civilization franchise is in development. Unfortunately we don’t have any more information outside of it now being ‘in-development’, so keep an eye out for more news in the coming months and potentially years.
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, President of 2K
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.
Heather Hazen – New Studio Head of Fireaxis 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.
Jake Solomon – Former Creative Director of the XCOM Franchise and Marvel’s Midnight Suns
