Take Two picks up Civilization franchise for 2K Games label

Only a day after its launch, Take Two Interactive's new 2K Games brand has its first high profile title signing - with the Civilization franchise and its developer, Firaxis Games, finding a new home at the label.

Civilization and the rest of Firaxis' output was formerly published by Atari, but the company announced that it had sold its rights to the Civ franchise late last year, leading to intense speculation over the possible buyer.

Now Take Two has confirmed that 2K Games will be kicking off its new partnership with the development studio, headed up by Jeff Briggs and renowned designer Sid Meier, by publishing Civilization IV on the PC later this year.

Full details of the deal between the two companies have not been announced, but the agreement is described as long-term and multi-title, and additional PC and console titles are believed to be covered along with Civ IV.

"The Civilization name brings with it an expectation of quality from millions of fans around the world," commented 2K Games' vice president of publishing Susan Lewis. "It is a pleasure to be working with a company like Firaxis that has developers who have proven with every successive title that they are masters of this genre."

For its part, Firaxis is also delighted with its new publishing partner, according to president and CEO Jeff Briggs. "We are extremely pleased to be partnering with 2K Games on a new journey into the evolving world of Civilization," he commented in an official statement.

"2K Games' emergence as a publisher dedicated to producing high-quality, genre-defining games ensures that Civilization IV and Firaxis titles will continue to push the creative envelope and reach bigger audiences than ever before," he concluded.