Tue, Feb 16, 2010 | 08:48 GMT
Microsoft working on “large franchise” with Natal

A recent job listing from Microsoft has shown it’s working on a “large franchise” for Natal.
The listing for a Senior Level Designer has the keywords “mission/environment design”, “combat” and “strategy”.
As for what that large franchise is, it’s unknown what that could be.
Yesterday, Xbox exec Aaron Greenberg said Natal will oversee a five year lifespan. He also teased the full name for the motion camera could be revealed at E3, although, for now, it’s still in codename status.
The full listing is below. Natal was confirmed for a Holiday release at CES.
Thanks, CVG.
“No Strings or Controllers Attached. Introducing Project Natal, a revolutionary new way to play: no controller required. See a ball? Kick it, hit it, trap it or catch it. If you know how to move your hands, shake your hips or speak you and your friends can jump into the fun — the only experience needed is life experience.
We are developing interactive and creative content for Project Natal. If you would like to be part of our internal development team then please keep reading. We are developing a studio from the ground up, made up of some of the industry’s most creative, innovative, and technical minds.
MGS is looking for a talented, motivated and experienced Sr. Level Designer who can create innovative game-play solutions for a large franchise. The Sr. Level Designer is expected to implement major gameplay features to high quality, focusing on creating and implementing level designs. Qualified individuals are expected to be organized, with excellent communication skills, both verbally and written, and have a proven track record in AAA game design. Must have a clear understanding and experience creating mission/environment design, look and feel, AI, combat, strategy, game-flow, and balance. We want somebody who can put forth ideas without fear, and build off other people’s zany creations. Candidates who find fault with other people’s brainstorms to prove how smart they are need not apply. Candidates must have passion for a broad range of game experiences, and be well versed in market trends and styles. While years of experience are a definite plus, positive creative energy and a wealth of genius ideas is a must. This is a rare opportunity to join a seasoned, creatively driven team on an exciting next-generation project.”


14 comments
#1
mington
16/02/10, 8:57 am
halo wars, would you call that “combat”
#2
justiceblob
16/02/10, 9:02 am
i’ve got so used to Natal, IMO just get rid of ‘project’ and you have your launch name. As for what franchise… I’m not sure, maybe Gears of War? It has ‘missions’ and has fairly strategic combat imo.
#3
Blerk
16/02/10, 9:03 am
The use of the word ‘zany’ probably rules out anything Halo-esque and automatically makes me think of Rare.
#4
mington
16/02/10, 9:13 am
i doubt there will be any truly adult violent games, rated 18, in the first wave of titles, as they’d be completely missing the core audience
so the combat would probably come down to giving a koopa troopa a smack or what ever the Microsoft equivalent is
#5
Gekidami
16/02/10, 9:18 am
The MS Koopa Troopa equivalent are Grunts from Halo. Except Koopa Troopa’s are more dangerous… And serious.
#6
NiceFellow
16/02/10, 10:03 am
Banjo?
If they use Halo or Gears or something they might sell to the install base but they stand a good chance of losing the casual market before they even start.
If Natal is seen as a way to realistically chainsaw aliens it’s not going to win over any of the demographic the Wii has.
I’m guessing the initial focus will be stuff like Banjo and mini-games. Family/kids orientated stuff.
#7
f1r3storm
16/02/10, 10:22 am
Halo Wars 2? :9
#8
onlineatron
16/02/10, 10:56 am
Killer Instinct 3
The ‘Ha we made you wait this long and then totally fucked you over’ edition!
#9
Blerk
16/02/10, 11:02 am
It’ll be hilarious when they finally make and release KI3 and nobody buys it.
#10
Robo_1
16/02/10, 11:21 am
And therein lies the reason why we’ll likely never see it.. outside of a Live release…. possibly.
#11
Gekidami
16/02/10, 11:40 am
It seems that MS think Rare is only good for milking their old IP’s so it’ll no doubt come.
#12
polygem
16/02/10, 12:21 pm
an 3.person action adventure starring natal drake
#13
Galactic_Barret
16/02/10, 1:13 pm
Yeah, I’ll without Banjo or Conker. Would’ve said Viva, but I don’t know if combat is present in that game.
#14
OlderGamer
16/02/10, 1:39 pm
PGR5