Firaxis game director and studio lead announce departure

‘All Gratitude’

In a surprising piece of news, developer Firaxis has announced the departure of two of its veteran players: game director Jake Soloman and studio lead Steve Martin. Both individuals have been with the studio for over 20 years, overseeing the development and release of acclaimed strategy titles including XCOM, XCOM 2, and, most recently, Marvel’s Midnight Suns.

“I’m embarking on a new chapter; however, I am incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to fulfill my dreams at Firaxis Games,” said Solomon in an official press statement. “I’m thankful to everyone who enjoyed XCOM and Marvel’s Midnight Suns, and to my development and publishing partners who helped bring those games to life.”

In a separate message posted to Twitter, Soloman teased that his “Brain was on fire with a new dream” and that it was “Time to go chase it”. Soloman has worked with Firaxis for the best part of 23 years.

All gratitude. pic.twitter.com/pqe56mVvd5

— Jake Solomon (@SolomonJake) February 17, 2023

Steve Martin also expressed his gratitude toward Firaxis in a statement posted to the company’s official Twitter account: “I am tremendously grateful for the opportunity to have championed and led the work of such a talented group of people for the past couple decades at the greatest studio in the world,” wrote Martin. “I am proud of the legacy of games Firaxis has created and its reputation in the industry.”

“I look forward to cheering on Firaxis in its next chapter. Stay civilized!”

pic.twitter.com/7mH6vEYIRY

— Firaxis Games (@FiraxisGames) February 17, 2023

Martin will be placed by Firaxis Chief Operating Officer Heather Hazen.

“I’m thrilled to have this opportunity to carry on the studio’s storied legacy, beginning with the announcement that Firaxis is in development on the next iteration of the legendary Civilization franchise,” said Hazen of the new role. “I’m lucky to be working with some of the best developers in our industry, and we have plans to take the Civilization franchise to exciting new heights for our millions of players around the world. In addition, we will continue to support Marvel’s Midnight Suns with post-launch content, and explore new creative projects for our teams.”

Marvel’s Midnight Suns is available now on PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X.

Chris Moyse

Senior Editor – Chris has been playing video games since the 1980s and writing about them since the 1880s. Graduated from Galaxy High with honors. Twitter: @ChrisxMoyse