For a second time this year Blizzard released new Next-Gen MMO Job Openings. The first batch of job openings happened back on April 2007 (See here). This one is hard to decipher. Blizzard has denied recently, post-Blizzcon, plans for World of Warcraft on Console (Xbox 360 / PS3). Like they denied Starcraft II’s development. /ends sarcasm.
Other things to consider in these enigmatic job openings are Starcraft: Ghost, Diablo Next-Gen MMO and/or a new franchise. All which are plausible.
Rob Pardo told Gamasutra Starcraft: Ghost was a game they wish to revisit at some time. Not ruled out. (Read More). Starcraft: Ghost could be a good candidate for a Next-Gen MMO. Fans were able to play Starcraft: Ghost Multiplayer at Blizzcon 2005.
A Diablo Next-Gen MMO? The former Blizzard North executives who resigned, and shortly after founded Flagship Studios initially created Hellgate: London as a RPG Game like Diablo. However, early on 2007 they revealed Hellgate: London MMO Subscription plans. If we take their work as an example, Diablo could very well be a Next-Gen MMO (Speculation).
Bruce Hack (Vivendi Games COO) hinted on May 2006, in a stealthy way, the possibility of a new franchise from Blizzard. The hint got echoed recently not ruling out a new franchise. I can’t remember where I read it. It was an interview held on August 2007.
Whatever the future holds from Blizzard, it is big. Check out the new Next-Gen Job Openings below posted today at Blizzard Entertainment.
Senior Graphics Programmer – Next-Gen MMO
Blizzard Entertainment is seeking an experienced senior graphics programmer focused on next-generation massively multiplayer online games. The ideal applicant will have be proficient in shader programming and have 3D Graphic API experience. For more information on this position please check out the posting.
Senior Tools Programmer – Next-Gen MMO
Blizzard Entertainment is seeking an experienced senior tools programmer focused on next-generation massively multiplayer online games. The ideal applicant will be proficient in developing powerful toolsets primarily for art and design pipelines, but also for code and audio pipelines. For more information on this position please check out the posting.
Lead 3D Character Artist – Next-Gen MMO
Blizzard Entertainment is looking for an exceptionally skilled lead 3D character artist for a team focused on next-generation massively multiplayer online games. The ideal candidate has extensive experience modeling and texturing a diverse visual range of characters and creatures at a senior or lead level. A solid grasp of form, structure, color, and light for both 2D and 3D art assets is essential. The lead 3D character artist must have experience leading a team, have skill in another art task as well (illustration, modeling, texturing, animation, or concept drawing), and be well-versed in related tools—Maya, Photoshop, etc. For more information on this position please take a look at the job description.
Lead 3D Environment Artist – Next-Gen MMO
Blizzard Entertainment is looking for an individual to serve as lead 3D environment artist for a team focused on next-generation massively multiplayer online games. The ideal candidate has experience modeling and texturing assets for a diverse visual range of environments. A solid grasp of form, color, and light for both 2D and 3D art assets is essential. The lead environment artist must have experience leading a team and have a skill in another art task as well (illustration, modeling, texturing, animation, or concept drawing) and be well-versed in related tools—Maya, Photoshop, etc. For more information on this position please take a look at the job description.
