Who owns Sid Meier’s Civilization?

Who Owns Sid Meier’s Civilization?

Sid Meier’s Civilization is a legendary turn-based strategy game series that has been captivating gamers for decades. The franchise has undergone significant changes in ownership over the years, and in this article, we will delve into the history of who owns Sid Meier’s Civilization.

Early Years: MicroProse and Hasbro Interactive

The first game in the Civilization series, Sid Meier’s Civilization, was released in 1991 by MicroProse, a renowned video game developer and publisher. The game was a groundbreaking success, and its popularity led to the creation of several sequels and spin-offs.

In 1998, MicroProse was acquired by Hasbro Interactive, a subsidiary of the iconic toy company Hasbro. During this period, the Civilization series continued to thrive, with the release of Civilization II (1996) and Civilization III (2001).

Infogrames Interactive and Take-Two Interactive

In 2001, Hasbro Interactive was acquired by Infogrames Interactive, a French video game developer and publisher. Infogrames Interactive later changed its name to Atari Interactive.

In 2004, Atari Interactive was acquired by Take-Two Interactive, a leading video game publisher and developer. Take-Two Interactive is the current owner of the Civilization franchise.

2K Games and Firaxis Games

Take-Two Interactive operates several publishing labels, including 2K Games, which is responsible for publishing the Civilization series. Firaxis Games, a renowned game development studio, is also a subsidiary of Take-Two Interactive.

Firaxis Games was founded in 1996 by Sid Meier, Jeff Briggs, and Brian Reynolds, who were all veterans of the video game industry. The studio is best known for developing the Civilization series, as well as other notable titles such as XCOM and Total War.

Recent Developments

In recent years, the Civilization series has continued to evolve, with the release of new titles such as Civilization IV (2005), Civilization V (2010), and Civilization VI (2016). The series has also expanded to include mobile and console versions, as well as spin-offs such as Civilization: Beyond Earth (2014) and Civilization: Revolution (2008).

Key Facts and Figures

Here are some key facts and figures about the ownership of Sid Meier’s Civilization:

• Founded: 1991 (MicroProse)
• Acquired by: Hasbro Interactive (1998), Infogrames Interactive (2001), Take-Two Interactive (2004)
• Current owner: Take-Two Interactive
• Publishing label: 2K Games
• Game development studio: Firaxis Games
• Number of games: 6 main titles (Civilization, Civilization II, Civilization III, Civilization IV, Civilization V, Civilization VI)
• Sales: Over 50 million copies sold worldwide

Conclusion

In conclusion, the ownership of Sid Meier’s Civilization has undergone significant changes over the years, from MicroProse to Hasbro Interactive, Infogrames Interactive, and finally Take-Two Interactive. Today, 2K Games and Firaxis Games are responsible for publishing and developing the Civilization series, respectively. With a legacy spanning over three decades, the Civilization franchise continues to be a beloved and iconic part of the gaming industry.