Latest E3 Highlights:

New Microsoft studio to 'revolutionize' gameplay

360 motion-control camera rumors further stoked by job listing that reveals the software giant is forming an all-new game studio to change "both WHAT you play and HOW you play."

With Microsoft's E3 Press Conference less than three days away, speculation about the software giant's announcements are reaching a fever pitch. Besides unconfirmed reports of a Metal Gear Solid 4 port and a new Peter Molyneux game the top rumor is for a new motion-sensing camera controller for the Xbox 360.

The latter rumor got a further boost this week, courtesy of a job listing from Microsoft's Entertainment and Devices division, which makes the Xbox 360 and soon-to-be-Xbox Live-compatible Zune HD. Specifically, the listing is for a "Sr. Environment Artist" at an all-new internal developer at Microsoft Game Studios, publisher of such games as Gears of War 2, Halo 3: ODST, and the just-announced Lips: Number One Hits. Hinting heavily at some sort of new control scheme for an all-new property, the description reads as follows:

Are you interested in shipping innovative games that will change the way people play? If so, we want you to join our team to work on an amazing next-generation project, built from the ground up, in Microsoft Game Studios. We are building a NEW GAME STUDIO from the ground up that will revolutionize both WHAT you play and HOW you play. You have the chance to get in on the ground floor and work with professionals responsible for some of the industry's greatest innovations to date. (Emphasis in the original.)

We're looking for a talented, motivated and experienced Sr. Environment Artist. This is a rare opportunity to join a seasoned, creatively driven team on an exciting next-generation project. Qualified individuals are expected to communicate and collaborate well throughout a development team, and have a proven track record in creating AAA art for games. Candidates will have experience creating a broad range of styles in both 2D and 3D mediums. Be well versed in programs like Photoshop and Maya, as well as demonstrate experience with current console art creation techniques like shader development, normal map creation, and high polygon modeling.

As of press time, Microsoft reps had not commented on the job listing, which may--or may not--pertain to announcements at next week's Electronic Entertainment Expo.

334 Comments

  • BigBoss2014

    Posted Jul 4, 2009 10:43 am PT

    mgs4 cant work on the 360, kojima found it hard to fit it on a ps3 disc, 50gb, there is absoloutley nothing he could do to make the same game on the 360's 8.6gb disc, give it up you cant have they best game of 2008.

  • BigBoss2014

    Posted Jul 4, 2009 10:38 am PT

    i thaught xbox got the eye toy for that movie maker thing, whats the difference, sony's making what i thaught the wii would be like before it came out, thats inpressive

  • SQUALL20XX

    Posted Jun 9, 2009 11:50 am PT

    Competetion pring a lot of things

  • SSBFan12

    Posted Jun 6, 2009 8:05 pm PT

    They always say this but they are not doing nothing about it.

  • asian_pride69

    Posted Jun 3, 2009 9:16 pm PT

    It was indeed impressive, but I enjoyed Sony's motion control better. Though it's also the same as Microsoft's. It's all a big gimmick.

  • PSFreak1

    Posted Jun 3, 2009 6:39 am PT

    Natal doesnt really revolutionize gaming as much as i thought it would...

  • gmax Site moderator

    Posted Jun 2, 2009 8:52 am PT

    Employment opportunity...

  • sco-fisticated

    Posted Jun 1, 2009 7:14 pm PT

    i dont know if they are talking about a wiimote for the 360. i dont mind if Xbox is making a wiimote or a batter one. i dont mind one company building off the idea of another (copying to some). Just Don't Act Like It's Your Idea! this sounds alot like the language they used to describe their avatars. "we are the first company to allow u to play as ur avatar in game." they may not be avatars in name, but Miis were the first customizable sprite players could play ingame.

    if they have something completely different, my bad. but if it's a wiimote, do it. but dont spice the wording to make it sound like ur idea.

  • DarkNeoBahamut

    Posted Jun 1, 2009 2:18 pm PT

    well, we all watched that now

  • MTMind2

    Posted Jun 1, 2009 12:56 pm PT

    to add what I said earlier about being sceptical....well...its what i thought it would be (3d video capture) only much much more.

    to be honest, with voice and face recognition too, it has far exceeded my expectations.

    in fact, im surprised at how impressed i am with this device. it really does have amazing potential.

  • borninvincible

    Posted Jun 1, 2009 9:34 am PT

    im skeptical...

  • Autolycus

    Posted Jun 1, 2009 9:28 am PT

    again, DONT EXPECT THIS ON THE 360. ITS A NEXT GENERATION THING. And if it ruins my typical gaming experience I WONT be buying it. If I wanted a Wii I'd buy a Wii!

  • HazyNimbus

    Posted Jun 1, 2009 8:13 am PT

    "...will revolutionize..." yet must "...have a proven track record in creating AAA art for games"

    They don't want something new, they are hiring the same doofs to do the same thing they did before. Why even post a job listing? If you're in the industry you know and if you aren't, you can't get hired. Good luck on that.

  • XanderZane

    Posted Jun 1, 2009 8:09 am PT

    chriseph13

    can microsoft do anything than copy another company *********************************************************************
    Sony has been copying other companies for years. Trophies, home button, PSN, , etc all came from Microsoft. All 3 companies copy each other, it's not just Micrsoft. ==============================================
    Gamer4Iife

    People are still going on about MGS4 going to 360? Fine, just don;t whine about it when Kojima Productions crushes your hopes into tiny bits for the bajillionth time.

    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    I would rather have MGS5 or ZOE3 on the XBox 360. I could care less about MGS IV. I really hate year old ports.

  • bernytheman2

    Posted Jun 1, 2009 8:07 am PT

    and let's not be fanboys here... I own a xbox 360 and I'd like to have this cam if it works right and yes, MGS4 is a great game that I've just played in my friend's home and would like it in the xbox. So what if Sony had it first? And if it were a 360 game, again, so what? don't expect anything wrong for us 360 owners just because we chose a different console, since all consoles have their good and bad features. I just want to have the best gameplay experience possible. I don't care if MS or Sony make less or more money because it doesn't affect me... or any of you, for that matter

  • bernytheman2

    Posted Jun 1, 2009 8:00 am PT

    God, I hope this is all true... Doubtful, though, but it would be awesome to play MGS4 on xbox and have kind of a wii with good graphics... that would be awesome. But, unfortunately, we'll have to wait and see...

  • KingTuttle

    Posted Jun 1, 2009 7:38 am PT

    Nothing has even been announced yet but everyone who hates Microsoft and Xbox seems to keep clamoring away like a bunch of idiots that know something. wow.

  • mhder

    Posted Jun 1, 2009 7:11 am PT

    So what will the fanboys that claimed all they want is a standard controller to play because the other stuff is gimmicky say now?

  • Gamer4Iife

    Posted Jun 1, 2009 5:32 am PT

    People are still going on about MGS4 going to 360? Fine, just don;t whine about it when Kojima Productions crushes your hopes into tiny bits for the bajillionth time.

  • datniccah187

    Posted Jun 1, 2009 4:44 am PT

    MSG4 to 360 would be awesome. I don't know if i would feel right playing it on an Xbox though.