2K Games, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO), announced today that Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization, the next offering in the award-winning Civilization IV series for Games for Windows, is now available in stores across North America and will be available in retail stores internationally beginning September 26. Created by 2K's world-renowned Firaxis Games development studio, Colonization has received praise from the industry's top Windows PC gaming publications.

"The decade-long groundswell of fan enthusiasm around Colonization was the driving force behind our decision to make a new version for today's gamers," said Sid Meier, director of creative development at Firaxis Games. "The terrific community support for the game, coupled with the opportunity to design a new edition using our Civilization IV engine, made it the right time to create this title for loyal fans and everyone else who loves great strategy games."

Colonization is a standalone game experience that adds an entirely new scenario to the ever-evolving world of Civilization. In Colonization, players lead one of four European nations on a quest to colonize and thrive in the New World. Players will be challenged to guide their people from the oppressive motherland, discover the New World, and negotiate, trade and fight as they acquire power and battle for their freedom and independence.

As a complete reimagining of the 1994 classic, Colonization is a total conversion of Civilization IV that combines Civilization's addictive "just one more turn" gameplay with all-new graphics and features that add more depth to the franchise. New features, such as a brand-new interface, improved diplomacy options and the included modding tools ensure that Colonization is the next great title from gaming's premier strategy game developer.