Last weekend's Firaxis Games Mega Panel at PAX East was one to remember. During the hour-long presentation, the acclaimed strategy game studio announced its next AAA game, , and for good reason. However, the rights to Alpha Centauri are with another publisher (Electronic Arts), so Beyond Earth is not an outright sequel. Still, Firaxis Games lead designer Will Miller said he thinks Alpha Centauri fans will feel right at home with Beyond Earth.

"For all the fans of Alpha Centauri, this is the game we have made for you," he said.

Sid Meier himself will continue to hold his position at Firaxis Games as creative director for the studio, overseeing all development at the company, including Civilization: Beyond Earth. That is no doubt good news for fans of his work. The veteran designer has been with Firaxis Games since its inception and has remained heavily involved in the studio ever since, panelists said during the presentation.

In the full Firaxis Games panel you'll find story information for Beyond Earth, various gameplay details, and other interesting insight into how the game came to be. Perhaps the most surprising bit of news? Publisher 2K Games won't make you wait ages for Beyond Earth, as it launches later this year.