[shinobi602]

We're becoming increasingly fascinated by Microsoft Vancouver's unannounced AAA core game project, among the secret and not-so-secret Xbox 360 games mooted in our recent Microsoft E3 predictions round-up. A new MGS job listing has hacked away a little more ambiguity - the game is a multiplayer shooter. The studio is "looking for a talented and experienced Lead Online & Multiplayer Engineer to deliver a best in class networked gameplay experience and online services for an AAA game title". The right candidate will have "multiplayer online lead experience shipping a current generation AAA console game", and "experience shipping multiplayer shooter (3PS,FPS) games" is "highly desired". Not familiar with MGS Vancouver? It's "a world-class development team" that's "dedicated to making games for 'core' gamers". The studio's mission is to "push the limits of proven and unexplored game development and show the world what's possible on Microsoft's game consoles". Hmm. "Consoles" rather than "console", then. And presumably you're no longer making games for the original Xbox, chaps. In fairness, there's nothing here to confirm that this is a completely new game. It's possible MGS Vancouver is lending 343 a hand with Halo 4's massively ambitious multiplayer. Your thoughts? Source

Listing for creative director:

We are looking for a seasoned storyteller who can help us bring Microsoft’s next big IP to life. This individual will help us develop the characters, story arc, emotional tone, pacing, dialogue, and flavor of a story that will shape the spirit of this new franchise. The Narrative Designer is responsible for the game story. The core of this role is to craft an enthralling character-driven story and define how the narrative will be delivered through different game systems. The Narrative Designer must collaborate closely with other designers, developers, and artists across the studio to ensure seamless integration of story and gameplay. RESPONSIBILITIES: • Act as a champion of story, characters, and emotional engagement across the game and game team • Create a cast of distinctive, engaging, and imperfect characters that players love (or love to hate) • Define a compelling story that takes the player on a hero’s journey, with a keen eye to story structure and pacing • Research to support character and plot development • Write and approve game dialogue • Design and document interactive narrative systems to facilitate story and emotional delivery to player • Maintain a story bible that includes game dialogue documentation, character information, world backstory, storyboards, and cinematic development plans • Collaborate and liase with external narrative teams on transmedia opportunities for the franchise • Collaborate with game designers to execute on narrative goals through gameplay systems and mission design • Collaborate with concept and storyboard artists to visualize narrative elements • Collaborate with the audio department on emotional tone of the sound design, including music selection • Assist with casting actors and directing voice and mocap performances as needed • Manage own schedule to accommodate the narrative deliverables of the project and propose solutions for conflicts that arise REQUIREMENTS: • Avid gamer with a solid understanding of the game development process • Understands the differences between writing for games and writing for other mediums • Understands and embraces the idea that the story must be highly flexible and adaptable throughout the game’s development • In-depth knowledge of industry trends in interactive storytelling, with a genuine interest in creatively advancing the story medium • Knowledgeable in a variety of fiction genres and up-to-date with pop culture • Ability to develop visual theory into production-ready concepts as well as written and physical specifications for game narrative implementation • Fluent in narrative techniques to elicit audience emotion • Several years of creative writing experience in some combination of TV, film, and games (ideally all three) • Excellent communication, collaboration, interpersonal, and organizational skills • Proven ability at successful multi-tasking under great pressure • Nice to have: Experience with game editors and scripting systems

I don't think it's for Halo 4...don't they have a team of over 200 people? They've never outsourced in Halo games for multiplayer in the past have they?

[Neuromancer]

Shadowrun 2

[shuri]

Shadowrun FINALLY returns. The most criminally underrated multiplayer experience of the decade finally gets a sequel

[Interfectum]

Halo 4?

[Lakitu]

So that's the big secret game they're working on? A multiplayer shooter? Yawn.

[MarkMclovin]

AAAA or bust.

[ultim8p00]

So that's the big secret game they're working on? A multiplayer shooter? Yawn.

Not if it's Perfect Dark 2

[TheBioLover]

Microsoft working on an AAA multiplayer shooter? Shocking news.

[maquiladora]

Just what we need, more shooters.

[Terbinator]

F2P Halo incoming.

[Khold]

AAAA or bust.

I really dislike the term AAA, though I guess it has its uses

[Acosta]

ZZZZZZzzzz...

[Arnie]

It's not Halo 4, that thing's too far along for them to be hiring such a position now. This is quite clearly a different game.

And unlike some of the ignorance in this thread I'm not completely against the idea of a new multiplayer shooter, as long as it's something different. If it's just a first person military shooter with ADS, perks and M4s though I'm not interested. A new Shadowrun, for example, would be much appreciated, not that I think this game's going to be Shadowrun.

Good multiplayer shooters are always in demand, no matter how saturated the genre. If it's CS, Halo or TF standard then I'm there.

[Nub]

Shadowrun 2

Please let it be this!

[PSFan]

Halo 5.

[UraMallas]

Halo?

Was I beaten?

[Sho_Nuff82]

For 360? That's unexpected.

Perfect Dark?

[newjeruse]

Halo 4?

Will never happen.

[Conor 419]

I've been saying for quite some time that we should really start to be putting a lot of attention into Vancouver's project, it's likely to be introduced at E3. Also, it looks like it's a talented studio devoted to strengthening Microsoft's first party 'core' titles.

I'm a bit confused that it could be a shooter, you'd think Microsoft would try and remove any redundancy and prevent anything from mixing with Halo. UNLESS they've set up a team entirely dedicated to Gears of War as well? Is it feasible that they bought the IP?

I mean, otherwise. What else? Perfect Dark? That's literally the only other option.

[Dicer]

Only AAA?

Why aren't they going for AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

[Shiggy]

Creativity à la Microsoft:

Dev: "Hey, boss, we'd like to do something new"
MS Manager: "What about a new Halo title, that would be something new, wouldn't it?"
Dev: "We're tired of yearly Halo iterations"
MS Manager: "Well, then let's create something entirely new! A new multiplayer shooter! That's never been done before and there are almost no FPS titles on our consoles. Let's fill that niche!"

[Muchi Muchi Pink]

Why another shooter? I mean, sure many players on xbox love shooters, but c'mon. There is already halo, why not something different?

[Conor 419]

Halo 5.

Coming September 2011.

[CoffeeJanitor]

Why another shooter? I mean, sure many players on xbox love shooters, but c'mon. There is already halo, why not something different?

Sales?

[snoopeasystreet]

Only a AAA game? Needs more A, microsoft.

[Arnie]

Creativity à la Microsoft: Dev: "Hey, boss, we'd like to do something new" MS Manager: "What about a new Halo title, that would be something new, wouldn't it?" Dev: "We're tired of yearly Halo iterations" MS Manager: "Well, then let's create something entirely new! A new multiplayer shooter! That's never been done before and there are almost no FPS titles on our consoles. Let's fill that niche!"

Why another shooter? I mean, sure many players on xbox love shooters, but c'mon. There is already halo, why not something different?

Comments like this are stupendously ignorant.

You might not like the genre but millions of people do, and there's space for innovation and creativity if done right, despite what your narrow viewpoint may suggest.

[MarkMclovin]

I really dislike the term AAA, though I guess it has its uses

I've never understood it to be honest.

[Empty]

no SHOCKING NEWS title?

[LiquidMetal14]

More shooters! That's what Sony gets criticised for ><

[HigherLevel]

It's definitely not Halo related. I hope it's either Perfect Dark 2 or a new IP. If it is a new IP please be something that isn't standard modern military stuff like CoD, BF, and MoH. There's enough of that type of shooters. I'd kill for Shadowrun 2 but we know that won't happen.

[Elginer]

I've been saying for quite some time that we should really start to be putting a lot of attention into Vancouver's project, it's likely to be introduced at E3. Also, it looks like it's a talented studio devoted to strengthening Microsoft's first party 'core' titles. I'm a bit confused that it could be a shooter, you'd think Microsoft would try and remove any redundancy and prevent anything from mixing with Halo. UNLESS they've set up a team entirely dedicated to Gears of War as well? Is it feasible that they bought the IP? I mean, otherwise. What else? Perfect Dark? That's literally the only other option.

Sounds good, consider me hopeful for some good news at Microsoft's E3 showing besides the awesome looking Halo 4.

[Arnie]

More shooters! That's what Sony gets criticised for ><

No, Sony gets criticised for having a deluge of mediocre multiplayer shooters.

Don't get me wrong, this could very well turn out to be mediocre, but just look at Halo, Gears and Shadowrun; Microsoft Game Studios has a pedigree of excellent multiplayer shooters.

[Diprosalic]

halo 5 by another studio so there is a halo every year.

[Hari Seldon]

Yes! There is certainly a gap in the AAA online shooter market!

[Bamelin]

Shadowrun 2

Let it happen!

[derFeef]

I don't think it's related to Halo 4, maybe something new. Interesting for sure.

[HigherLevel]

halo 5 by another studio so there is a halo every year.

Don't make comments like this if you don't know what you are talking about. Phil Spencer has said multiple times that Halo isn't going to become annualized.

[Lovegooder]

Why another shooter? There is already halo, why not something different?

What do you suggest?

[Kajiba]

I'm hoping for a new ip.

[REMEMBER CITADEL]

I'm a bit confused that it could be a shooter, you'd think Microsoft would try and remove any redundancy and prevent anything from mixing with Halo. UNLESS they've set up a team entirely dedicated to Gears of War as well? Is it feasible that they bought the IP?

I doubt it. And while I wouldn't want them to make the same mistake as Sony and saturate their first party portfolio with shooters, this was rumored to be a Kinect game (well, not so much rumored as confirmed by one of the employees, but that was some time ago so things might have changed) so it could be an interesting new take on the genre. My bet is on a completely new IP.

[benny_a]

No, Sony gets criticised for having a deluge of mediocre multiplayer shooters. Don't get me wrong, this could very well turn out to be mediocre, but just look at Halo, Gears and Shadowrun; Microsoft Game Studios has a pedigree of excellent multiplayer shooters.

Sony is known for mediocre shooters? I think Shadowrun with its 66 on Metacritic and the excellent Gears (3rd party) should not be your arguments put forth for Microsoft's pedigree in shooting.

[S1kkZ]

maybe a mp-only shooter for the launch of the next console. battlefield 4 or the next (real next-gen) call of duty wont be ready when the new xbox launches, so it makes sense to give the hardcore mp crowd something.

[TheOddOne]

Seems OXM missed some important details.

Here are some recent job listings:

Creative Director:

We are looking for a seasoned storyteller who can help us bring Microsoft’s next big IP to life. This individual will help us develop the characters, story arc, emotional tone, pacing, dialogue, and flavor of a story that will shape the spirit of this new franchise. The Narrative Designer is responsible for the game story. The core of this role is to craft an enthralling character-driven story and define how the narrative will be delivered through different game systems. The Narrative Designer must collaborate closely with other designers, developers, and artists across the studio to ensure seamless integration of story and gameplay. RESPONSIBILITIES: • Act as a champion of story, characters, and emotional engagement across the game and game team • Create a cast of distinctive, engaging, and imperfect characters that players love (or love to hate) • Define a compelling story that takes the player on a hero’s journey, with a keen eye to story structure and pacing • Research to support character and plot development • Write and approve game dialogue • Design and document interactive narrative systems to facilitate story and emotional delivery to player • Maintain a story bible that includes game dialogue documentation, character information, world backstory, storyboards, and cinematic development plans • Collaborate and liase with external narrative teams on transmedia opportunities for the franchise • Collaborate with game designers to execute on narrative goals through gameplay systems and mission design • Collaborate with concept and storyboard artists to visualize narrative elements • Collaborate with the audio department on emotional tone of the sound design, including music selection • Assist with casting actors and directing voice and mocap performances as needed • Manage own schedule to accommodate the narrative deliverables of the project and propose solutions for conflicts that arise REQUIREMENTS: • Avid gamer with a solid understanding of the game development process • Understands the differences between writing for games and writing for other mediums • Understands and embraces the idea that the story must be highly flexible and adaptable throughout the game’s development • In-depth knowledge of industry trends in interactive storytelling, with a genuine interest in creatively advancing the story medium • Knowledgeable in a variety of fiction genres and up-to-date with pop culture • Ability to develop visual theory into production-ready concepts as well as written and physical specifications for game narrative implementation • Fluent in narrative techniques to elicit audience emotion • Several years of creative writing experience in some combination of TV, film, and games (ideally all three) • Excellent communication, collaboration, interpersonal, and organizational skills • Proven ability at successful multi-tasking under great pressure • Nice to have: Experience with game editors and scripting systems

There are two others: Lead Cinematic Animator and Lead Online & Multiplayer SDE-IEB-Microsoft Studios Vancouver

I think OXM jumped the gun by only looking at the multiplayer listing. Much like Halo, singleplayer and multiplayer designers are hired.

*off to study again*

[HigherLevel]

I doubt it. And while I wouldn't want them to make the same mistake as Sony and saturate their first party portfolio with shooters, this was rumored to be a Kinect game (well, not so much rumored as confirmed by one of the employees, but that was some time ago so things might have changed) so it could be an interesting new take on the genre. My bet is on a completely new IP.

I'm pretty sure this and the Kinect game are separate. There are two MS teams iirc in Vancouver and this team was making a core game.

[Derrick01]

More bro shooters isn't exactly what I was asking for when I asked for a bigger focus on core exclusives MS.

[stuminus3]

I think that last A is a typo.

[REMEMBER CITADEL]

I'm pretty sure this and the Kinect game are separate. There are two MS teams iirc in Vancouver and this team was making a core game.

Well...

CAREER HISTORY Microsoft Game Studios (Zipline Studios) Feb 2010 to Present Vancouver, Canada Art Director/Senior Artist (Characters) Original team member in a new studio with a start-up mentality, hired a team of artists to create social microtransaction games. Over the course of the year, our studio strategy has changed and now focuses on developing a core AAA shooter experience using Kinect. Member of the MGS Creative Councel to promote job training to artists across all Microsoft Game Studios.

[Arnie]

Sony is known for mediocre shooters? I think Shadowrun with its 66 on Metacritic and the excellent Gears (3rd party) should not be your arguments put forth for Microsoft's pedigree in shooting.

Mediocre multiplayer shooters, yes.

It's irrelevant whether Gears was third party, it's a Microsoft Game Studios game. What does owning the studio outright have to do with funding quality titles?

[gregor7777]

Shadowrun 2 please



(This is coming from a fan of the SNES/Genesis/old school RPG)

The FPS was fantastic. If only it would have got a bit of post release support.

[Osaka15]

probably halo fpsmmo or call of duty