Firaxis extends deal with 2K Games

Following its acquisition of publishing and distribution rights to the Sid Meier's Civilization franchise, 2K Games has agreed another deal with Firaxis Games that covers the Pirates! series.

2K will publish the Xbox version of Sid Meier's Pirates! this summer, and the company has also secured the rights to the previously released PC game.

"Sid Meier's Pirates! makes an excellent addition to the 2K Games summer lineup," said 2K Games senior VP Christoph Hartmann.

"We also look forward to expanding our catalog of products with the Civilization titles." 2K will begin publishing the Civilization titles from July 1.

Sid Meier, director of creative development at Firaxis, added: "Pirates! for the Xbox brings the re-imagination of our legacy brand to new audiences in new ways.

"I think Xbox gamers will be pleased with some of the assets and experiences we've been able to add because of special opportunities the platform offers."

Sid Meier's Pirates! puts players in the role of a 17th century pirate captain on a mission to secure fame and fortune as one of the notorious pirates in the Caribbean.

The Xbox version will offer two new mini-games not featured in the PC version, and consumers will be able to access high scores tables and extra content via Xbox Live.