Maryland Declares September 21 'Civilization V Day'

The state of Maryland has officially recognized local developer Firaxis' Sid Meier's Civilization V by naming the day of its release after the game itself. As dictated by a gubernatorial proclamation, September 21, 2010 will be known as "Sid Meier's Civilization V Day." Governor Martin O'Malley signed the proclamation today, citing the achievements of legendary designer and studio founder Sid Meier, "a longtime and celebrated Marylander who has spent his full professional life in this State." Though born in Canada, Meier has spent the last few decades of his life developing computer games in Maryland, first at Civilization creator MicroProse and then at his current studio Firaxis; he co-founded the companies in 1982 and 1996 respectively. "Sid Meier is known throughout Maryland and the world as a pioneer of electronic gaming, having co-founded his first studio in Baltimore County, Maryland in 1982, and today continuing a tradition of developing the talent and creativity of future generations," the governor's statement reads. The proclamation may be referring to Meier's tendency to let younger designers take the reins on the games he oversees; Jon Shafer, the designer of Civilization V, is only 25. The decree concludes, "Now, therefore, I, Martin O'Malley, Governor of the State of Maryland, do hereby pay tribute to the outstanding achievements of Sid Meier on this day, July 28, 2010, and hereby recognize September 21, 2010, as Sid Meier's Civilization V Day, and call upon the people of our State to join in celebrating this salute."