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Junction Point (Epic Mickey) Hiring 360/PS3 And Network/Multiplayer Programmers

So I noticed this conversation in the NPD thread and started digging through their job pages.

Shiggy said:
Skiesofwonder said:
Even Junction Point (Creator of Epic Mickey) is working on a Wii/Xbox 360/PS3 A.K.A multi-platform title as we speak. Hell that could potentially even be Epic Mickey 2 for all we know.
Source?
So, credit for this discovery should go to Skiesofwonder.

Job Posting 1 said:
Systems Programmer
City

Austin
State

TX
Position Type

Full-time
Requisition ID

265491

Disney Interactive Media Group (DIMG) is a segment of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) responsible for the creation and delivery of Disney branded interactive entertainment and informational content across multiple platforms including online, mobile and video game consoles around the globe. DIMG core businesses include Disney Interactive Studios, which self publishes and distributes a broad portfolio of multi-platform video games, mobile games and interactive entertainment worldwide; and Disney Online, which produces the No. 1 Community-Family & Parenting Web site and an industry-leading suite of online virtual worlds for kids and families.

SYSTEMS PROGRAMMER

RESPONSIBILITES
• Ownership of some key low-level systems. Possibilities include but are not limited to: resource system, memory system, job system.
• Identify bottlenecks, come up with plans of attack and execute on them.
• Keep the team informed of performance issues and help guide optimizations based on profiling.
• Debugging low-level systems.
• Based on the systems you own:
o Help convert existing systems to run as jobs across multiple processors/SPUs.
o Find memory savings and reduce memory fragmentation as a result of level streaming.
o Reduce load time of level components as they are streamed in off disc.

QUALIFICATIONS
• Shipped PS3 and Xbox 360 titles in a core systems or optimization role.
• You are adept with both PS3 and Xbox 360 profiling tools.

• Strong understanding of threading and contention issues.
• Understanding of CPU characteristics related to optimization (e.g. cache coherency).
• Bachelor degree in Computer Science or related field, or equivalent training and professional experience
• Strong knowledge of C++.
• Strong debugging skills and the ability to isolate bugs
• Good verbal and written communication skills.

EXPERIENCE AND ADDITIONAL SKILLS
• Experience with SPUs and “jobifying” systems.
• Assembly language: SPU, PowerPC
• PS3 and Xbox 360 intrinsic

• Gen3 experience

To expedite consideration, we highly recommend that you BOTH upload your resume AND copy and paste the text when creating your candidate profile.

Req ID: 265491


View all Disney Interactive Media Group jobs at www.dimgcareers.com.

Disney Interactive Studios, part of Disney Interactive Media Group, is the interactive entertainment affiliate of the Walt Disney Company. Disney Interactive Studios, which has five internal game development studios around the world, self publishes and distributes a broad portfolio of multi-platform video games and interactive entertainment worldwide.

JUNCTION Point Studios, headed by industry visionary Warren Spector, is a developer of innovative single-player and small-group multiplayer console and PC games. Our focus is on player-driven narrative, which we define as "improvisational gameplay in the context of a strong, traditional narrative." The company's main goal is to tell stories with players, not to them, allowing them to craft unique experiences through in-game choices. For some developers, it may be enough to refine and polish. At JUNCTION Point, we want to change things – innovation is a core value. Each game advances the state of the art. We believe long-term success can best be achieved by delivering games of the highest quality in gameplay and presentation.
Source: https://disney.recruitmax.com//main...zReturnToSearch=1&szWordsToHighlight=Junction

Job Posting 2 said:
Senior Graphics Programmer
City

Austin
State

TX
Position Type

Full-time
Requisition ID

264076

Disney Interactive Media Group (DIMG) is a segment of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) responsible for the creation and delivery of Disney branded interactive entertainment and informational content across multiple platforms including online, mobile and video game consoles around the globe. DIMG core businesses include Disney Interactive Studios, which self publishes and distributes a broad portfolio of multi-platform video games, mobile games and interactive entertainment worldwide; and Disney Online, which produces the No. 1 Community-Family & Parenting Web site and an industry-leading suite of online virtual worlds for kids and families.

SENIOR GRAPHICS PROGRAMMER

REQUIREMENTS
• 6+ years experience writing graphics code.
• Experience in 3D graphics programming (Shaders, Lighting Models, Visibility)
• Capable of contributing to overall product vision and design
• Strong understanding of C++ and object-oriented design principles
• Good interpersonal and communication skills

SPECIFIC SKILLS
• Design, develop, write and implement code
• Interact closely with designers, artists, and animators to achieve the vision of the game.
• Assist in resolving complex technical issues
• Research and develop cutting edge rendering technology

EXPERIENCE AND ADDITIONAL SKILLS
• Post secondary degree in computer science preferred from a four-year college or university; or two to four years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Shipped console (Wii, PS3, Xbox 360) title experience
• Experience programming graphics on the PS3 and/or Xbox 360

Req ID 264076

To expedite consideration, we highly recommend that you BOTH upload your resume AND copy and paste the text when creating your candidate profile.

View all Disney Interactive Media Group jobs at www.dimgcareers.com.

Disney Interactive Studios, part of Disney Interactive Media Group, is the interactive entertainment affiliate of the Walt Disney Company. Disney Interactive Studios, which has five internal game development studios around the world, self publishes and distributes a broad portfolio of multi-platform video games and interactive entertainment worldwide.

JUNCTION Point Studios, headed by industry visionary Warren Spector, is a developer of innovative single-player and small-group multiplayer console and PC games. Our focus is on player-driven narrative, which we define as "improvisational gameplay in the context of a strong, traditional narrative." The company's main goal is to tell stories with players, not to them, allowing them to craft unique experiences through in-game choices. For some developers, it may be enough to refine and polish. At JUNCTION Point, we want to change things – innovation is a core value. Each game advances the state of the art. We believe long-term success can best be achieved by delivering games of the highest quality in gameplay and presentation.
Source: https://disney.recruitmax.com//main...zReturnToSearch=1&szWordsToHighlight=Junction

Job Posting 3 said:
Network Programmer
City

Austin
State

TX
Position Type

Full-time
Requisition ID

265465

Disney Interactive Media Group (DIMG) is a segment of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) responsible for the creation and delivery of Disney branded interactive entertainment and informational content across multiple platforms including online, mobile and video game consoles around the globe. DIMG core businesses include Disney Interactive Studios, which self publishes and distributes a broad portfolio of multi-platform video games, mobile games and interactive entertainment worldwide; and Disney Online, which produces the No. 1 Community-Family & Parenting Web site and an industry-leading suite of online virtual worlds for kids and families.

NETWORK PROGRAMMER

RESPONSIBILITES
• Provide technical expertise in network game development and technologies.
• Design and implement both in-game multiplayer networking and pre-game matchmaking and lobby code.
• Reliably create good quality, performance-sensitive code.
• Provide coaching to help less experienced engineers create network safe code

QUALIFICATIONS
• 4+ years network software engineering experience, game industry experience is strongly preferred.
• Proficient in C++ and good coding practices.
• Ability to lead a team environment based on collaborative design and structured code architecture.
• A positive attitude and the ability to take direction and receive criticism.
• Ability to meet deadlines within well-defined production schedules.
• Good communication skills, both written and oral.
• Bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field.
• Experience programming on the PS3 and/or Xbox 360
• Shipped console (Wii, PS3, Xbox 360) title experience
• Gen3 experience

View all Disney Interactive Media Group jobs at www.dimgcareers.com.

Disney Interactive Studios, part of Disney Interactive Media Group, is the interactive entertainment affiliate of the Walt Disney Company. Disney Interactive Studios, which has five internal game development studios around the world, self publishes and distributes a broad portfolio of multi-platform video games and interactive entertainment worldwide.

JUNCTION Point Studios, headed by industry visionary Warren Spector, is a developer of innovative single-player and small-group multiplayer console and PC games. Our focus is on player-driven narrative, which we define as "improvisational gameplay in the context of a strong, traditional narrative." The company's main goal is to tell stories with players, not to them, allowing them to craft unique experiences through in-game choices. For some developers, it may be enough to refine and polish. At JUNCTION Point, we want to change things – innovation is a core value. Each game advances the state of the art. We believe long-term success can best be achieved by delivering games of the highest quality in gameplay and presentation.
Source: https://disney.recruitmax.com//main...zReturnToSearch=1&szWordsToHighlight=Junction
 

wrowa

Member
Jul 26, 2006
14,351
1
1,170
Germany
I'm relieved that Epic Mickey was a success, so that Junction Point can develop another game.

I sure hope their next game will be better, though. Epic Mickey was far from being the great game most people hoped for, which is a shame.
 

Shiggy

Member
Jun 10, 2004
26,711
1
1,665
Thanks for this!
We should also note that Junction Point was working on an Xbox 360 title before Epic Mickey!
 
Aug 14, 2006
11,638
0
0
What makes you think that it's gonna also be a Wii game? I see no evidence of that in the job posting.

Seems like it's gonna be PS360 only to me.
 

WillyFive

Member
Sep 17, 2009
28,623
1
0
TheOddOne said:

Before it became Wii exclusive, Epic Mickey was coming to every platform except the Wii. Seems like with the somewhat success of Epic Mickey, they are expanding.

Nuclear Muffin said:
What makes you think that it's gonna also be a Wii game? I see no evidence of that in the job posting.

Seems like it's gonna be PS360 only to me.

They already have Wii people. I don't see how it can be PS360 only. They don't seem to be letting go people from their staff here.
 
Aug 14, 2006
11,638
0
0
Willy105 said:
They already have Wii people. I don't see how it can be PS360 only. They don't seem to be letting go people from their staff here.

So? Their hired programmers could train their core staff on how best to program for the PS360. And scripting guys, artists and such can easily switch platforms.

Remember that most of Epic Mickey's development was outsourced.
 

WillyFive

Member
Sep 17, 2009
28,623
1
0
Nuclear Muffin said:
So? Their hired programmers could train their core staff on how best to program for the PS360. And scripting guys, artists and such can easily switch platforms.

Remember that most of Epic Mickey's development was outsourced.

Of course, but that doesn't mean it will be PS360 only. It just means they can do other consoles.
 
Nov 26, 2006
24,196
7
0
goldmetalsonic.wordpress.com
Nuclear Muffin said:
So? Their hired programmers could train their core staff on how best to program for the PS360. And scripting guys, artists and such can easily switch platforms.

Remember that most of Epic Mickey's development was outsourced.

To WHO? I keep hearing that it was, but not by what company.
 
Nuclear Muffin said:
What makes you think that it's gonna also be a Wii game? I see no evidence of that in the job posting.

Seems like it's gonna be PS360 only to me.
They're specifically hiring for "Gen 3" instead of "next-gen platforms".

A lot of the postings I didn't post also included Wii/Xbox 360/PS3 notes.

In theory they could be making two games, but I'm just speculating based on events so far.
 

antonz

Member
May 12, 2010
22,341
0
0
They have a full staff well versed in Wii programming. Short of staffers quitting they have no need to hire Wii developers. To make a new Multiplatform Duck tales on the other hand requires hiring for PS3/360.

The real test will be does the other 2 platforms give a shit about "kiddy games" The Historical answer is no
 
Aug 14, 2006
11,638
0
0
Nirolak said:
They're specifically hiring for "Gen 3" instead of "next-gen platforms".

A lot of the postings I didn't post also included Wii/Xbox 360/PS3 notes.

In theory they could be making two games, but I'm just speculating based on events so far.

Do they mention that they're looking for programmers with Wii experience? Just having a posting that says "we want people with experience of shipping Wii, PS3, 360 titles" doesn't mean that they want anyone with Wii experience in particular. It just means that they want someone with recent experience of shipping a title in these current industry and market conditions.

To WHO? I keep hearing that it was, but not by what company.

Various Chinese and Indian companies. I don't know their names (I don't think that they've been made public) but then again, I've yet to finish the game so I've not seen the credits myself.
 
Nuclear Muffin said:
Do they mention that they're looking for programmers with Wii experience? Just having a posting that says "we want people with experience of shipping Wii, PS3, 360 titles" doesn't mean that they want anyone with Wii experience in particular. It just means that they want someone with recent experience of shipping a title in these current industry and market conditions.



Various Chinese and Indian companies. I don't know their names (I don't think that they've been made public) but then again, I've yet to finish the game so I've not seen the credits myself.
In that case, I'm not actually seeing anything specific.

You make a fair point. I'll remove that line from the OP.

Here are all the postings for anyone who is interested: https://disney.recruitmax.com//main...PortalID=6148d8bc-69a0-4c20-ac4e-4784d1a2dbc2 (Type Junction into the keywords field.)
 

EatChildren

Currently polling second in Australia's federal election (first in the Gold Coast), this feral may one day be your Bogan King.
Jan 29, 2008
36,140
8
0
Australia
When I went hands-on with Epic Mickey the guys at THQ seemed quite excited about "Junction Point's next project", but wouldn't give me any details.
 

Rolf NB

Member
Apr 22, 2007
12,914
0
0
Oh good, more games!

Up until the NPDs, I wasn't really sure how successful EM has been, and what it bade for the future of the studio. Good to see these signs of growth.
 

cuyahoga

Dudebro, My Shit is Fucked Up So I Got to Shoot/Slice You II: It's Straight-Up Dawg Time
Apr 14, 2009
3,563
0
0
None of these postings mention dealing with preexisting intellectual property — something original perhaps?

Or they don't know what they are doing right now and are just prototyping a bunch of stuff. Actually, that's probably pretty likely right now.
 

TreIII

Member
May 15, 2006
17,477
0
0
37
Suzzopher said:
The Life and Times of Scrooge McDuck HD!!

Fix'd to make it a bit more along the lines of what I would prefer. Ducktales is nice, but no true Scrooge McDuck fan should settle for the "neutered" version that the cartoon employed. XD
 

MYE

Member
Jul 20, 2009
16,499
4
0
Are they big enough to be working on 2 projects?

I want a sequel to EM :/
 

Plinko

Wildcard berths that can't beat teams without a winning record should have homefield advantage
Jul 31, 2007
39,660
0
0
Boney said:
I can't believe people would rather have a new Duck Tales rather than a Chip & Dale RR. You guys are crazy.

Intro

Intro in spanish

Duck Tales was the better game. It was close, though.
 

Rad-

Member
Jan 31, 2009
15,325
0
680
In my dreams it's Spector returning to first person RPG genre... But I wouldn't be too disappointed if it ended up a new Ducktales title.

I want a sequel to EM :/

If this happens I'd rather see Epic Donald than Epic Mickey 2. Donald is the best and would bring bigger success in Europe. Donald Duck is huge here, even many adults read it.
 

Noshino

Member
Apr 16, 2009
4,252
0
0
Davie, FL
EatChildren said:
When I went hands-on with Epic Mickey the guys at THQ seemed quite excited about "Junction Point's next project", but wouldn't give me any details.

uh, excuse my ignorance, but how are THQ and the Epic Mickey team related?...
 

Combichristoffersen

Combovers don't work when there is no hair
Jun 26, 2009
23,334
2
1,030
Norway
TreIII said:
Fix'd to make it a bit more along the lines of what I would prefer. Ducktales is nice, but no true Scrooge McDuck fan should settle for the "neutered" version that the cartoon employed. XD

Oh God yes. Scrooge is my fave Disney character. Make a game based on Don Rosa's Scrooge and win at everything.

Scrooge > Donald >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Mickey
 

EatChildren

Currently polling second in Australia's federal election (first in the Gold Coast), this feral may one day be your Bogan King.
Jan 29, 2008
36,140
8
0
Australia
Noshino said:
uh, excuse my ignorance, but how are THQ and the Epic Mickey team related?...

THQ published it in Australia, I think. My hands-on preview was at THQ, and they were the ones who sent me review code.
 

Noshino

Member
Apr 16, 2009
4,252
0
0
Davie, FL
EatChildren said:
THQ published it in Australia, I think. My hands-on preview was at THQ, and they were the ones who sent me review code.

Ah, thanks!

Does Disney publish games at all in AU? or was it just a one time thing for Epic Mickey?