Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. today announced the acquisition of Firaxis Games, one of the world’s premier game development studios. Firaxis Games joins the 2K Games publishing label of Take-Two Interactive.

Firaxis Games, home of industry icon Sid Meier, is known for developing award-winning, top-rated games with mass consumer appeal. Their popular gaming franchises include Sid Meier’s Pirates! and the blockbuster Civilization franchise. Firaxis has a proven track record of best-selling products that will complement 2K’s expanding portfolio of high-quality titles.

“Firaxis Games, founded and led by industry executive Jeff Briggs, and inspired by the genius of Sid Meier, is among the most innovative and successful development studios in the industry,” said Christoph Hartmann, Managing Director of 2K Games. "The Firaxis and 2K Games union is a strong fusion of creativity and vision that will continue to result in the development of innovative games with mass appeal. We’re excited to welcome Jeff, Sid and the entire Firaxis team to the 2K family.”

“This is a tremendous opportunity for Firaxis,” said Jeff Briggs, Founder, President and CEO of Firaxis Games. “2K Games is an energetic label that shares our goals and vision for making great games that stand the test of time. We are pleased to be associated with the energy and commitment to quality work that 2K represents, and look forward to a great future together.”

"2K Games has already been a tremendous partner to Firaxis in the marketing and release of Sid Meier’s Pirates! and Sid Meier’s Civilization IV. We’re excited about all of the possibilities ahead of us as we work together to explore new ideas, new products and new consumer markets,” said industry legend Sid Meier, Director of Creative Development at Firaxis Games.

2K Games, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc., and FIRAXIS Games, the world renowned video game developer, today announced that Sid Meier’s Civilization IV for the PC has shipped to retail stores in North America. Sid Meier’s Civilization IV will be in retail stores in Europe on November 4.

Sid Meier’s Civilization IV comes-to-life like never before in a beautifully detailed, living 3D world that expands the gameplay experience. This latest installment takes the franchise to new heights with the addition of new ways to play and win, new tools to manage and expand your civilization, all-new easy to use mod capabilities and various multiplayer modes and options.

“With more than six million units sold, the Sid Meier’s Civilization franchise is recognized as one of the greatest PC game franchises of all-time,” said Christoph Hartmann, Managing Director of 2K Games. “Sid Meier’s Civilization IV expands on the popular gameplay in the Civilization series with new features including religion, some of history’s most influential people and for the first time in the Civilization series, a full 3D engine.”

"The Civilization series is very close to our hearts," said Jeff Briggs, Founder, President and CEO of FIRAXIS Games. "We’ve worked diligently to make Civilization IV even better than its worthy predecessors, and are really proud of the end result.”

"Each new Civilization is a major undertaking," added Sid Meier, Director of Creative Development at FIRAXIS Games. "Creating Civilization IV was a monumental task, but everyone at FIRAXIS was determined to create the best Civ experience yet, and I think we succeeded. Fans will absolutely love this game and folks new to the series won’t be able to resist."

2K Games, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc., and FIRAXIS Games, world renowned video game developer, today announced the Sid Meier’s Civilization IV pre-order program. Customers who pre-order Sid Meier’s Civilization IV at participating retailers in North America will receive the Pre-Order Edition of the game at no additional cost.

Shipping on the same day as the regular version of the game, the Sid Meier’s Civilization IV Pre-Order Edition will feature: collector’s packaging, a CD soundtrack of the game, a keyboard template, a tech tree map and a spiral bound version of the manual. The Pre-Order Edition will be offered through participating retailers while supplies last.

The fourth game in the PC strategy series that has sold more than five million units, Sid Meier's Civilization IV is a bold step forward for the franchise featuring spectacular new 3D graphics and all-new single and multiplayer content.