2K promotes Heather Hazen to studio head of Firaxis Games

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2K Games has promoted Heather Hazen as studio head of Firaxis Games.

She previously served as chief operating officer at the studio behind Sid Meier's Civilization. Hazen originally joined the studio in 2020.

In her new role, she will oversee Firaxis' focus on creating strategy titles and its development teams.

Hazen's professional career spans 22 years as she's worked in gaming and entertainment.

Her professional history includes a two-year stint at Epic Games, where she worked as an executive producer on Fortnite.

Alongside Hazen's promotion, studio head Steve Martin will be exiting the studio after two decades.

"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," said Hazen.

"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."

Additionally, 2k announced that Jake Solomon, the previous creative director of the XCOM series and Marvel's Midnight Suns will be exiting Firaxis. Solomon originally joined the games studio in 2000.

Also, Ed Beach will continue working as creative director on the new and in-development Civilization title.