I guess that means they finished Civ 5 :\

The games industry really has a dark underbelly.

Yeah it seems they are now in game balance stage. Anyway best wishes to those affected.

I can't resist analysing the double-talk:

"Firaxis has realigned its development resources in order to streamline its development process, reduce costs and maximize the overall performance the studio."

I think that might be roughly translated as:

"Firaxis has been told to cut costs as hard and fast as possible as the parent company's forecast results are dipping and the management need to be seen to be taking concrete action to protect the shareholders' interests."

One of the major risks of being owned by a large corporate - as an independent, Firaxis would probably keep the staff for work on the next project. Of course, I could be wrong - Firaxis could just have been dramatically over-spending!

But whichever it is, it is still unpleasant for those on the recieving end.

Thus is the cycle of drug rings and cartels.
I need my fix Firaxis... I'm hurtin' bad for your strong stuff... need another shot

Don't worry, Ian. It's coming.

Then so will the LAN parties.

I hope the guys affected can get back on their feet doing something awesome. Maybe band together and make some Indie games... I'd be interested in seeing what ex-Civ guys would do, after all of their tutelage under Sid.

Sean: Yeah, that is the upside to the dark cycle of 'boom-and-purge' game development (not saying that this is the case here, but it does have that feel).

Here's hoping for another Civ-like IP from a new indie studio (which will become part of a big studio, then downsize after creating some great sequels, which will create a new indie studio...)