2K Games announced today that Firaxis Games, the creative team behind the iconic Sid Meier’s Civilization® franchise, is developing XCOM: Enemy Unknown, an action strategy title that is planned for release in fall 2012. The official site for the game has launched at XCOM.com and Game Informer has debuted the first art for the fall 2012 release, which you can check out beneath the official press release:

"XCOM: Enemy Unknown" will be instantly recognizable to fans of the original "X-COM", while breaking new ground in strategy games for today’s console and Windows PC gamers. With equal emphasis on deep strategy and intense tactical combat, "XCOM: Enemy Unknown" will place players in control of a secret paramilitary organization called XCOM. As the XCOM commander, players will defend against a terrifying global alien invasion by managing resources, advancing technologies, and overseeing combat strategies and individual unit tactics.

“We’re looking forward to building upon the core gameplay experiences that fans of the original 'X-COM' love, while introducing the franchise to a new generation,” said Sarah Anderson, senior vice president of marketing for 2K. “With Firaxis’ 'XCOM: Enemy Unknown' and 2K Marin’s upcoming 'XCOM', 2K Games will be offering two different gameplay experiences drawing from the classic 'X-COM' universe. Each game offers a unique 'XCOM' experience in different genres, as envisioned by two different studios with unique creative visions.”

Released in 1993, the original "X-COM" is widely regarded as one of the best games ever made and has now been re-imagined by the strategy experts at Firaxis Games. "XCOM: Enemy Unknown" will expand on that legacy with an entirely new invasion story, enemies and technologies to fight aliens and defend Earth. Players will control the fate of the human race through researching alien technologies, creating and managing a fully operational base, planning combat missions and controlling soldier movement in battle.

“It’s been a dream of ours to recreate 'X-COM' with our unique creative vision. We’re huge fans of the original game and it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to re-envision a game that is as beloved as 'X-COM',” said Steve Martin, president of Firaxis Games. “We were careful to keep 'XCOM: Enemy Unknown' true to the elements that made 'X-COM' such a revered game while delivering an entirely new story and gameplay experience for both die-hard 'X-COM' fans and newcomers to the franchise.”

"XCOM: Enemy Unknown" will be available in fall 2012 for Games for Windows, Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system.

Click on the below image for a larger version at Game Informer: