2K today announced that Heather Hazen, industry veteran and COO of Firaxis Games, has been promoted to head of the studio, ushering in a new era of development at the legendary interactive entertainment studio responsible for Sid Meier’s Civilization, XCOM, and the recent and critically acclaimed Marvel’s Midnight Suns.
As head of the studio, Hazen will lead the development teams at Firaxis Games and lead them on a mission to create the best strategy games on the planet. With 22 years of gaming and entertainment experience, Hazen joined Firaxis Games in 2020 as the studio’s COO. Prior to Firaxis Games, she was an executive producer on Fortnite at Epic Games, as well as Plants vs. Zombies there Bejeweled, from PopCap Games. Hazen’s rise follows the departure of longtime Firaxis studio head Steve Martin, who will be leaving the studio after more than 25 years with the organization.
“We are delighted to welcome Heather Hazen as the new Head of Studio for Firaxis Games, and we believe she will continue to build on the success that Firaxis has always enjoyed under 2K’s independent studio model” , said David Ismailer, president of 2K. “2K and Firaxis Games are deeply grateful to Steve Martin for laying the groundwork during his time at the studio, spearheading over 30 game releases across three genre-defining franchises, and ensuring a smooth transition for Heather in her new role. Firaxis is one of the most renowned studios in our company and in the industry, and we are confident that the team will continue to do great things under his leadership.”
“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to continue the studio’s legacy, beginning with the announcement that Firaxis is developing the next installment in the legendary franchise. Civilization,said Hazen. “I’m fortunate to work with some of the best developers in the industry and we intend to bring the franchise Civilization to exciting new heights for our millions of players around the world. Additionally, we will continue to support Marvel’s Midnight Suns with their post-launch content and exploring new creative projects for our teams. »
Ed Beach will continue in his role as creative director of the next Civilization. Beach was part of the development of the titles of Civilization for over 15 years, most recently leading the design of Civilization VIthe game of Civilization best seller to date. Franchise Civilization It is one of the largest and most award-winning video games in the world with over 65 million copies sold to date.
On the other hand, Jake Solomon, former creative director of the franchise XCOM there Marvel’s Midnight Suns, will leave the studio. Solomon is leaving after two decades at Firaxis Games. His contribution was instrumental in revitalizing the turn-based tactics genre with the releases of XCOM: Unknown Enemy, XCOM2, there Marvel’s Midnight Suns.
“I’m starting a new chapter; but I’m incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to fulfill my dreams at the Firaxis Games,” said Solomon. “I am grateful to everyone who enjoyed XCOM there Marvel’s Midnight Sunsand all of my fellow developers and publishers who helped bring these games to life.
“Jake revolutionized turn-based tactical games and continually raised the bar for storytelling in the strategy genre,” added Ismailer. “We deeply appreciate his work and can’t wait to see what he does next.”
Firaxis Games is a 2K studio. 2K is a wholly owned trademark of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO)