2K building new Civilization(s)

In late 2006, Take-Two Interactive spent tens of millions to acquire Firaxis, developer of the Civilization series of strategy games. Given the publisher's investment and the franchise's massive popularity, it was only a matter of time before a new installment was announced.

As it turns out, the time in question was this week. Buried in yesterday's Take-Two earnings report was news that yes, a new Civilization game is planned. The report did not specify whether or not said game would be the inevitable Civilization V or a spin-off like CivCity: Rome. The prospects of a console or portable Civilization title have also been rumored.

The timing of the new product--or products--is also slightly unclear. "Starting in 2008, 2K will have new content based on its Civilization franchise and other products, including both original intellectual property and third-party titles," the company's report read. As of press time, Take-Two reps had not specified whether or not the report meant the company's 2008 fiscal year (November 1, 2007-October 31, 2008) or the 2008 calendar year. The former scenario would leave open the possibility of a new Civilization game coming as soon as this holiday season.