After the success of Sony’s PS4, it looks like Microsoft is looking to tap into local talent in the same area to have a studio of their own for Xbox. Microsoft is currently hiring for a full-time Principal Program Manager to “hire and grow internal studio talent to build teams and culture” in Santa Monica.
Most excitingly, the listing for the studio explicitly specifies that Microsoft wants to build a new franchise with this studio- which means, that at least for now, this studio won’t be falling back on retreading the same ground with Halo, Gears, Forza, or even Fable– we are looking at something that would be entirely new. Microsoft’s job listing makes it clear the game will be of “AAA standards”.
This is a good start, Microsoft- assuming this is something they are doing more of around the world, in a few years, we may see the fruits of their efforts bearing, as their first party problem is addressed once and for all, at last. Hopefully.
