Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. has announced the acquisition of Maryland-headquartered Firaxis Games, home of industry icon Sid Meier and developer of the Civilization franchise, which Take-Two has recently been publishing after acquiring the rights to the franchise in late 2004, as well as Sid Meier’s Pirates! and other titles. Firaxis Games joins the 2K Games publishing label of Take-Two Interactive, and financial details of the deal were not initially disclosed. Firaxis itself was founded in 1996 by Jeff Briggs, with Jeff taking the role as Company President and CEO and Sid Meier as Director of Creative Development – continuing a creative partnership that began at MicroProse Software in 1990. The company's full range of published titles include Sid Meier's Civilization series, Sid Meier's SimGolf, the Sid Meier's Civil War series!, and the Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri series, and Firaxis also owns a number of the classic Sid Meier-created Microprose properties through previous business dealings with rightsholders Atari. “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 Sid Meier, Director of Creative Development at Firaxis Games.