Firaxis’ Jake Solomon Announces Departure From Studio

Jake Solomon, the director of Marvel’s Midnight Suns and the modern XCOM games, has announced his departure from Firaxis. 

Solomon worked for Firaxis 23 years. He is most well-known as the designer of XCOM Enemy Unknown, and the director of XCOM 2. This expansion includes the War of the Chosen. He most recently directed Marvel’s Midnight Suns. 

According to a posted statement Twitter, Solomon doesn’t state a specific reason for his resignation but does tease his next project stating “My brain is on fire with a new dream. Time to go chase it.” Whether or not this dream keeps him in the game industry remains a mystery. Below is his complete statement.

After 23 wonderful years, I’m moving on from Firaxis

I’m a big dreamer, and I fulfilled two lifelong dreams in making XCOM (and XCOM 2, and War of the Chosen) and Marvel’s Midnight Suns. I’m the luckiest kid who ever lived.

X-COM was my favorite game growing up; it’s why I’m a game developer. Marvel comics have made me a believer, and these characters are like extended family to me.

I’m grateful to my Firaxis teammates, past and present, for making dreams into reality. Sincere love and gratitude. Together, we did some really great things.

I’m grateful to 2K for always believing in the dreams, and always supporting us with the time and resources needed to bring them to life.

And I’m so thankful to everyone who enjoyed XCOM and Marvel’s Midnight Suns. I’ve never taken this job for granted. Thanks for giving me this opportunity.

I loved designing tactical turn-based games, but it’s time for other, smarter people to push that space forward.

A new dream is lighting up my brain. It’s time to chase this dream.

Jake

Some of our favorite memories of Jake’s time at Firaxis include this funny video of him visiting a game store to convince shoppers to buy XCOM 1. He was also a great sport on our Marvel’s Midnight Suns Rapid-Fire interview. Here is our review on his last project for Firaxis: Marvel’s Midnight Suns.