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[ClovingWestbrook]

http://www.gamersmint.com/more-job-listings-for-next-gen-xbox-console-announcement-incoming

IEB Studios is looking for a seasoned Principal Program Manager to build a sustainable prototyping program for core gaming experiences on future generation hardware, software, and service platforms. This role will create and run the program that incubates our technical strategy, validates the product roadmap, and produces content that seeds the 1st and 3rd party ecosystems with tools and technology to get a head start on future generation content experiences.

Specific accountabilities and expectations for this role are:

* Lead the definition of core content value proposition for future generation platforms, secure funding for the prototyping program, and work with other teams within IEB Studios
* Ensure the prototyping program is funded and executed properly to validate technical direction and drive product differentiation in future platforms.
* Facilitate integration and alignment of core technical and product strategies with other MGS teams and ISS; develop strategies that are compatible with those of other groups, identify and manage dependencies and resolve issues of nonalignment.
* Build excitement for the next gen core strategy and status to all stakeholders, highlight progress toward goals and manage significant risks and roadblocks.

Specifically deliver prototypes for the following scenarios:

* Cloud-connected experiences for content streaming, rendering, and remote computational resources.
* Multiplayer scaling up to MMO scale experiences.
* Performance (visual and computational) validation of future generation platforms.
* Future generation Core + Kinect scenarios.
* Business intelligence and analytics for future generation content experiences.


Essential qualifications:

* Prior experience shipping new gaming platforms or content for new gaming platforms.
* A demonstrated ability to come up-to-speed quickly on new technical domains.
* Passion for technology and expanding the role of gaming and entertainment.
* Demonstrated ability to come up with creative and realistic solutions to highly ambiguous problems.
* Several years of Program Management leadership and product leadership experience across multiple releases.
* Demonstrated ability to work and thrive within a cross-group collaboration heavy environment.

Bolded for the most interesting. Is it possible that Microsoft is also close to an announcement? Would they let Nintendo steal E3? What do you think about the bolded parts? Cloud, MMO, etc.

 

[Phoenician_Viking]

MS and Sony releasing their new hardware 2013.

 

[Appollowexx]

It's all well and good that we're moving towards a multiplayer centric gaming world, but it better not come at the loss of single player - or neglection of it. Maybe I'm getting jaded as I've been gaming for a good 18 years now but single player to me is just as important.

 

[Phoenician_Viking]

It's all well and good that we're moving towards a multiplayer centric gaming world, but it better not come at the loss of single player - or neglection of it. Maybe I'm getting jaded as I've been gaming for a good 18 years now but single player to me is just as important.

Actually we are already seeing this happening. Publishers are trying to shove MP to almost every game.

 

[McHuj]

I wouldn't expect an announcement yet, but if Nintendo does one at this E3, I would expect both to announce something by E3 2012.

 

[[Nintex]]

2012 is certainly possible for the next Xbox. MS isn't going to let Nintendo walk in and take a chunk of the core market after they fought tooth and nail to hold Sony back.

 

[Appollowexx]

Actually we are already seeing this happening. Publishers are trying to shove MP to almost every game.

I know but at least we still have games like The Last Guardian / Uncharted / Infamous ect where single player takes priority, to counter the balance.

 

[ClovingWestbrook]

I wouldn't expect an announcement yet, but if Nintendo does one at this E3, I would expect both to announce something by E3 2012.

With this job listing specifically mentioning MMO capabilities it could really get interesting with Blizzard hopping onto the console market.

 

[Router]

MS and Sony releasing their new hardware 2013.

That's been my guess for more than 2 years now. More likely early 2014 for Sony IMO.

 

[szaromir]

I know but at least we still have games like The Last Guardian / Uncharted / Infamous ect where single player takes priority, to counter the balance.

Didn't ND just state that they want to take on Call of Duty?

 

[Schmitty]

Seems reasonable. If Nintendo rumors are true, then MS and Sony need to get theirs out as soon as possible.

And why do people still type out XBox instead of just Xbox. It looks completely idiotic.

 

[velvet_nitemare]

360 will be 7 years old by holiday 2012. Time for a successor.

 

[InsaneZero]

2012 is certainly possible for the next Xbox. MS isn't going to let Nintendo walk in and take a chunk of the core market after they fought tooth and nail to hold Sony back.

If they're just trying to get some prototyping done now, I don't think MS will have devkits ready for developers to push for 2012.

 

[Appollowexx]

360 will be 7 years old by holiday 2012. Time for a successor.

I do think they are ready to start seriously thinking about a new console. 2012 is a bit premature though. My guess is this will launch late 2013 so the tech can be a bit more cutting edge and so they can get a bit more money from the current box & Kinect.

 

[lunchwithyuzo]

Super Wii = 2012, Xbox Next = 2013, PlayStation 4 = 2014?

 

[ClovingWestbrook]

Super Wii = 2012, Xbox Next = 2013, PlayStation 4 = 2014?

I don't see how Sony can afford to let both Nintendo and Microsoft release 1 and 2 years ahead of them respectively.

 

[Foffy]

Here's hoping the first thing they actually focus on is hardware reliability. That's the first thing that comes to mind when I think of Microsoft's consoles, and the single reason I feel hesitant on supporting their games and consoles.

Everything else is icing on a well-founded cake to me. Oh, please don't let it be expensive as hell either. $350-$400 or bust

 

[wwm0nkey]

Nintendo- Announce new console at E3 2011 : release 2012
Microsoft- Announce new console at E3 2012 : release Fall 2013
Sony- Announce new console at E3 2013 : Release 2013

That is exactly how I see things going down.

 

[Appollowexx]

I don't see how Sony can afford to let both Nintendo and Microsoft release 1 and 2 years ahead of them respectively.

They can't but they're Sony and infamous for making the wrong business choices. Also they'll want to 1up the competitors tech wise ala NGP.

 

[velvet_nitemare]

I do think they are ready to start seriously thinking about a new console. 2012 is a bit premature though. My guess is this will launch late 2013 so the tech can be a bit more cutting edge and so they can get a bit more money from the current box & Kinect.

They can keep raking in the 360 monies while their new console undergoes growing pains with crap launch software and supply issues.

Holiday 2012 just makes sense.

 

[Vic]

Shit is heating up!

 

[ClovingWestbrook]

They can't but they're Sony and infamous for making the wrong business choices. Also they'll want to 1up the competitors tech wise ala NGP.

Yes but they can do that with releasing 2013 with Microsoft.

 

[-Pyromaniac-]

They can't but they're Sony and infamous for making the wrong business choices. Also they'll want to 1up the competitors tech wise ala NGP.

Are they really INFAMOUS for doing that. That's a bit of an exaggeration. Hasn't the PS3 launch been their only misstep out of PS/PS2/PS3.

I think it would take a lot for sony NOT to release alongside MS.

 

[szaromir]

I don't see how Sony can afford to let both Nintendo and Microsoft release 1 and 2 years ahead of them respectively.

But but 10 year cycle.

 

[ClovingWestbrook]

But but 10 year cycle.

Seriously people, how old is this misrepresentation of the 10 year life cycle? Come on. Sony never stated they'd wait 10 years to release a new console just they'd support their consoles for 10 years each.

 

[Appollowexx]

Yes but they can do that with releasing 2013 with Microsoft.

2013 yes. But many hear are saying holiday 2012 - which is what I was responding to. Sony releasing any later than early 2014 at the absolute latest would be total idiocy.

 

[ClovingWestbrook]

2013 yes. But many hear are saying holiday 2012 - which is what I was responding to. Sony releasing any later than early 2014 at the absolute latest would be total idiocy.

Won't happen. I'd say 2014 is the absolute latest, 2013 being the most likely, and 2012 being shock and awe.

 

[Appollowexx]

Won't happen. I'd say 2014 is the absolute latest, 2013 being the most likely, and 2012 being shock and awe.

Agreed.

 

[szaromir]

Seriously people, how old is this misrepresentation of the 10 year life cycle? Come on. Sony never stated they'd wait 10 years to release a new console just they'd support their consoles for 10 years each.

I always find it ridiculous, though. I mean, if PS3 continues to sell in 2017, why not support it longer? If no one is interested in 2013, why not drop it like a rock? It's clear that Sony was aiming PS3 to be their primary console for 10 years and then launch the successor, that's why they were willing to suck huge upfront losses.

 

[-Pyromaniac-]

I always find it ridiculous, though. I mean, if PS3 continues to sell in 2017, why not support it longer? If no one is interested in 2013, why not drop it like a rock? It's clear that Sony was aiming PS3 to be their primary console for 10 years and then launch the successor, that's why they were willing to suck huge upfront losses.

Face it brah, you misinterpreted the 10 year cycle thing. The PS2 had the same exact shit, didn't stop the PS3 launch from happening.

 

[ClovingWestbrook]

I always find it ridiculous, though. I mean, if PS3 continues to sell in 2017, why not support it longer? If no one is interested in 2013, why not drop it like a rock? It's clear that Sony was aiming PS3 to be their primary console for 10 years and then launch the successor, that's why they were willing to suck huge upfront losses.

No. Sony wasn't looking at the PS3 being their only console for a decade, just as they never were expecting the PS2 to be their only console for a decade, or the PS1. Sony supports their consoles longer than any of the 3 companies but they also have no problem with having 2 consoles out at the same time. The PS3 truly is just hitting its mark. This year will definitely be the most successful. Look at the exclusives for this year alone. Sony will not let Microsoft and Nintendo have a one and two year head start on them for next gen but they also will not stop supporting the PS3.

 

[CrunchinJelly]

At least they mention core and Kinect.

 

[szaromir]

Face it brah, you misinterpreted the 10 year cycle thing. The PS2 had the same exact shit, didn't stop the PS3 launch from happening.

The PS2 did not have the exact same shit, infact I remember a PR statement announcing extending the support for the console beyond 2008.

No. Sony wasn't looking at the PS3 being their only console for a decade, just as they never were expecting the PS2 to be their only console for a decade, or the PS1. Sony supports their consoles longer than any of the 3 companies but they also have no problem with having 2 consoles out at the same time. The PS3 truly is just hitting its mark. This year will definitely be the most successful. Look at the exclusives for this year alone. Sony will not let Microsoft and Nintendo have a one and two year head start on them for next gen but they also will not stop supporting the PS3.

See above. PS1 and PS2 were supported for 10 years only because they were popular that long (PS2 still is, in fact). But there were no upfront announcements of 10 years life cycles (and PS2' lineup being a wasteland after 2005 is the best proof that there was no masterplan for that).

 

[snackman]

I dont think much will change next gen in terms of sales I see Xbox still taking over and Sony doing as well as PS3 is now again. Nintendo will still to their gimmick stuff and hope it takes off and not be a flop.

 

[InaudibleWhispa]

Here's hoping the first thing they actually focus on is hardware reliability. That's the first thing that comes to mind when I think of Microsoft's consoles

The first Xbox was built like a brick. Isn't it legitimately bullet proof? But yes, the RRoD has tainted the name somewhat. I have to imagine making sure that doesn't happen again is a big priority.

 

[GarthVaderUK]

Nintendo- Announce new console at E3 2011 : release 2012
Microsoft- Announce new console at E3 2012 : release Fall 2013
Sony- Announce new console at E3 2013 : Release 2013

That is exactly how I see things going down.

If Microsoft is going to announce a new console at E3 2012, I fully expect Sony to announce the PS4 at E3 2012 too.

The PS4 may end up not arriving until 2014, but I doubt they'll want to leave MS with a full year to get everyone hyped for the next Xbox without saying, "Hey guys, don't buy that, wait for the PS4 - look how awesome it's going to be!".

 

[H_Prestige]

No. Sony wasn't looking at the PS3 being their only console for a decade, just as they never were expecting the PS2 to be their only console for a decade, or the PS1. Sony supports their consoles longer than any of the 3 companies but they also have no problem with having 2 consoles out at the same time. The PS3 truly is just hitting its mark. This year will definitely be the most successful. Look at the exclusives for this year alone. Sony will not let Microsoft and Nintendo have a one and two year head start on them for next gen but they also will not stop supporting the PS3.

It would be pretty hard to keep supporting the ps3 when all your resources are going towards ps4 and ngp. Who is going to buy the ps3 at that point?

And unlike ps2, the ps3 hardware will never be that profitable. So it would be in Sony's interest to get rid of it as soon as possible and start with a better base. Nintendo launching a new console is the perfect excuse.

 

[Appollowexx]

I dont think much will change next gen in terms of sales I see Xbox still taking over and Sony doing as well as PS3 is now again. Nintendo will still to their gimmick stuff and hope it takes off and not be a flop.

One thing I've learned over the years is that in the videogame industry nothing is predictable. Look at where Sony was last gen...

If Microsoft is going to announce a new console at E3 2012, I fully expect Sony to announce the PS4 at E3 2012 too.

99% sure this won't happen with the NGP primed to take centre stage and rumoured to be launching in roughly 6 months time.

 

[Frankfurt]

I know nothing of hardware or software, so I was wondering (here comes the dumbness) - is it impossible for a console to receive upgrades and allow devs to support both older and newer versions of the console in the same game? Unfeasible? Too expensive?

I ask because the iPhone has some games that simultaneously support older and newer hardware. The games just look better and/or run better on iPhone 4.

Would they need to change too much on the console? Couldn't they just increase the ram every couple years or whatever?

Thanks.

 

[wwm0nkey]

I think they should change the Xbox name completely to make people forget about the RROD disaster and maybe draw in a new crowd too.

 

[ClovingWestbrook]

It would be pretty hard to keep supporting the ps3 when all your resources are going towards ps4 and ngp. Who is going to buy the ps3 at that point?

How so? They supported the PSP while the PS2 and PS3 were out?

 

[Luckyman]

2012 is certainly possible for the next Xbox. MS isn't going to let Nintendo walk in and take a chunk of the core market after they fought tooth and nail to hold Sony back.

I´m not really sure what Nintendos box has to do with "next-gen"

 

[Clott]

I don't think Sony can afford to be a year late, "next generation dose not start till we say it does" won't work again.

 

[Zeal]

i love when the next-gen wars start heating up. exciting times.

i predict the xbox 360's successor will definitely be shown much sooner than later, with a release in late 2012 or early 2013.

i don't know what sony is going to do, to be honest.

 

[wwm0nkey]

I know nothing of hardware or software, so I was wondering (here comes the dumbness) - is it impossible for a console to receive upgrades and allow devs to support both older and newer versions of the console in the same game? Unfeasible? Too expensive?

I ask because the iPhone has some games that simultaneously support older and newer hardware. The games just look better and/or run better on iPhone 4.

Would they need to change too much on the console? Couldn't they just increase the ram every couple years or whatever?

Thanks.

What is possible is them allowing you to swap out the mainboard and Power supply to upgrade your system. Will it happen though? Probably not.

 

[H_Prestige]

How so? They supported the PSP while the PS2 and PS3 were out?

How many ps2 games was Sony making once psp and ps3 came out?

 

[lunchwithyuzo]

They can't but they're Sony and infamous for making the wrong business choices. Also they'll want to 1up the competitors tech wise ala NGP.

They'll also want to milk PS3 profits for all they're worth. They really have to after what they spent on it upfront.

 

[szaromir]

I don't think Sony can afford to be a year late, "next generation dose not start till we say it does" won't work again.

It only worked once with cockblocking Dreamcast release. Totally failed with 360, though, Microsoft is bigger than Sega after all and can handle slow periods much better.

 

[GarthVaderUK]

I think they should change the Xbox name completely to make people forget about the RROD disaster and maybe draw in a new crowd too.

Hasn't the Xbox brand kinda already survived the RRoD though? Isn't Xbox selling better than ever this past year? They've also doubled their marketshare this gen...
It would be very risky for them to ditch the Xbox name with their next console IMO.

 

[anonnumber6]

I think they should change the Xbox name completely to make people forget about the RROD disaster and maybe draw in a new crowd too.

Two consoles and billions of dollars to build up the Xbox brand name, RROD did damage it but it still hold a lot of value as shown by their dominance in the US market so Microsoft would be crazy to drop it.

I do wonder if we will see a new version of Kinect release alongside the next Xbox and if Microsoft are saving Halo 4 for the first holiday season.