Crytek hunting for PS3 programmers

One of the obvious perks of gaming on a next-generation system are the detailed graphics. Since next-gen footage began being released, many console gamers have argued that the souped-up living-room boxes could easily keep up with desktop PCs.

Then a game by the name of Crysis entered the scene. Running on the latest version of Crytek's CryEngine, the shooter's lifelike graphics wowed attendees at both GDC and E3 this year. While console gamers picked up their jaws in envy, they asked themselves (and everyone else) whether the game would also be headed to the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Shortly after its debut at GDC 2006, console owners were egged on by rumors that said the game was headed to next-gen consoles.

Now, one new bit of info shows that Crytek may indeed be looking to bring Crysis to next-gen consoles...or at least to one next-gen console. A job listing on the company's Web site shows that Crytek is looking for a PlayStation 3 programmer with cross-platform code development experience.

Even if Crysis is PS3-bound, it's unlikely it would be available anytime soon. The game ships for the PC in the fourth quarter of this year, meaning it would be a little late to hire staff to get a PS3 version out for this holiday season.

Also, Crytek recently told GameSpot that Crysis remains a PC exclusive in its current form. That disclosure raises the possibility that Crytek is hiring PS3 programmers for a console Crysis spin-off akin to Far Cry Instincts and Far Cry Instincts Predator, the Xbox and Xbox 360 adaptations of the PC shooter Far Cry.

Another factor is the fact Crysis isn't the only game cooking at the German studio. On a recent visit, Crytek told GameSpot that several "vastly different" games are in development at its Frankfurt headquarters--meaning the PS3 project could be an all-new title that is yet to be revealed to the public.