2K Games and FIRAXIS Games announced today the acquisition of publishing rights to Sid Meier’s Pirates!. Pirates! for the Xbox will be released by 2K Games this summer. Also included in this expanded partnership between 2K Games and FIRAXIS Games are publishing rights to the previously released PC version of Sid Meier’s Pirates!.

Separately, 2K Games had previously secured publishing and distribution rights to Sid Meier’s Civilization back catalog of products and will begin publishing these titles as of July 1st.

“It’s very exciting to strengthen our relationship with FIRAXIS Games, a development studio that consistently produces games of the highest quality and with mass consumer appeal,” said Christoph Hartmann, Senior Vice President of Publishing for 2K Games. “Sid Meier’s Pirates! makes an excellent addition to the 2K Games summer lineup and we also look forward to expanding our catalog of products with the Civilization titles.”

“Sid Meier’s Pirates! was one of the most acclaimed PC titles of 2004,” said Jeff Briggs, Founder, President and CEO of FIRAXIS Games. “Now with 2K Games on board, we’re ready to bring the same fun and innovative experience to Xbox gamers across the globe. It’s great to work with a publisher like 2K who shares our vision for bringing the very best interactive entertainment to audiences worldwide.”

“Pirates! for the Xbox brings the re-imagination of our legacy brand to new audiences in new ways, said Sid Meier, Director of Creative Development at FIRAXIS Games. I think Xbox gamers will be pleased with some of the assets and experiences we’ve been able to add because of special opportunities the platform offers.”