Civilization Developer Firaxis Lays Off 20 2

Firaxis, the Maryland-based developer of well-regarded strategy game franchise Civilization, laid off 20 workers as parent Take-Two "realigns" resources, the publisher confirmed to Variety's Technotainment blog on Thursday. Firaxis, founded in 1996 by former Microprose employees Sid Meier, Jeff Briggs, and Brian Reynolds, is at work on Sid Meier's Civilization V, due in September this year. Take-Two said the layoffs will not affect development of that title or of the Facebook-based Civilization Network. Take-Two publishes the retail Civilization games under subsidiary label 2K Games. The studio's website says that it employs 130 workers, meaning the 20 layoffs equal about 15 percent of staff. Take-Two said in a statement, "Firaxis has realigned its development resources in order to streamline its development process, reduce costs and maximize the overall performance the studio." Firaxis' past games include Civilization Revolution for consoles and handhelds, Sid Meier's Railroads!, Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri and other titles. Take-Two acquired Firaxis in 2005, with industry stalwart Sid Meier leading the studio as director of creative development.