Who knows where the Halo franchise will end up now that there is a dedicated "Halo Franchise Team" within Microsoft Game Studios, and who knows what this newest endeavor means, but it's interesting nonetheless. On a CareerBuilder listing, Microsoft are seeking a software development engineer for a new, unnamed Halo-related project - one that they say will span across multiple forms of media and genres - and that will have an "immersive world." Apparently if Halo, online social networks and "scalable online infrastructure" excite you, then this your gig.
"The Halo franchise studio is looking for a strong software development engineer with a passion for video games and online services. We have an ambitious task ahead, taking the current Halo community and online gaming support system and bringing it to the next level ... We're looking to blend console, web, and mobile to create an immersive Halo world that follows the dedicated Halo fan wherever they go. We need engineers that can build connected technology while working in a startup environment."
Yes, that certainly does sound "ambitious." Intriguing, too. Could this be some infantile step towards a Halo MMO? A Halo-themed community network that combines Bungie.net, Xbox LIVE and your Zune? Perhaps THIS is what that mysterious 'non-game' Halo project from Peter Jackson's Wingnut Studios is. Remember, the one announced back in 2006? Microsoft's job listing says that the person selected for this task will have to:
"...deliver a great out-of-game interactive experience that takes the next step beyond the systems found in Halo 3. You will work with artists, designers, developers and testers to finalize design plans, implement those plans, and help coordinate large-scale testing of the out of game Live experience by gamers across the world."
Huh. Certainly one to keep an eye on, whatever it is.
