MS building new Santa Monica studio to work on "AAAA new IP"

Were we just not going to talk about this?

https://www.gamespot.com/articles/with-e3-around-the-corner-microsoft-is-hiring-for-/1100-6458846/

http://variety.com/2018/gaming/news/xbox-new-studio-1202802940/

Microsoft is planning to hire a principal program manager to staff and run an unannounced studio in Santa Monica, Calif., according to a public job posting at the console manufacturer.

Though the posting is light on project details, the qualifications listed — which include “a knowledge and understanding of the process of building new IP,” and “experience shipping high quality titles at AAAA standards” — suggests that this new branch would be responsible for producing a new first-party blockbuster franchise to bolster the Xbox brand.

The listing also calls for “10+ years of experience in the gaming industry,” and “4+ years of experience as a lead/executive producer level-or-above,” as well as “live ops and multiplayer experience,” suggesting that the project is still in nascent stages, and still requires staffing on all levels.

Over the past year, the Xbox brand has received criticism for the perceived inadequacy of its first-party console line-up, especially compared to recent offerings from perennial rival PlayStation, such as the much-acclaimed “God of War,” which was developed by Sony’s Santa Monica studio.

Though staffers at this new venture have yet to be announced, Microsoft’s recent hiring of former Crystal Dynamics head of studio Darrell Gallagher points to a possible role for 2013’s “Tomb Raider” lead. With the industry-defining E3 coming up in June, there’s a fair chance more about this new studio will be announced sooner than later, but it’ll likely be a matter of years before any of their efforts actually land on store shelves.

Now, THAT is a step in the right direction.

corey barlog just gonna walk across the street and start a new

Certainly sounds very promising and I’m definitely looking forward to seeing what comes from this.

Well this is what Phil Spencer has been saying... they are investing in new content/studios etc.

I kinda hope at E3, if they don't yet announce any of the future titles that are in the works that are still a number of years away (ie. Fable 4 etc), that they at least announce that they are opening new studios or expanding their current ones... just to shut the haters up for 10 minutes.

@hrt_rulz01: Ah, you're almost a gamer. Once you clear the hurdle to wanting more games to have more games to play rather than a preoccupation with "haters" you will be a real boy <3

Wtf are you talking about? Did I say that I don't want more games? Pull your head out of your arse, champ :)

welcome to 2013, we've been expecting you.

@StrongDeadlift: I posted links in the say a good thing about Xbox thread. It's encouraging no doubt. They are showing that they are investing since Myerson is gone from Windows devices division and Spencer is an executive VP answering only to Nadella now. We'll have to see what this turns up. But they are asking for senior industry people and that costs. I always said pay them and they will come.

@cainetao11: Think they'll create studios when the right pieces come along, like the recent hire of Crystal Dynamics guy. Moving forward, probably see more growth with 3p now that MS has GamePass and play anywhere iniative on top of MS creating the cloud division to assist studios.

At E3, just need to see a roadmap for 1p ip and if in fact these services from MS can bring more 3p support.

@hrt_rulz01: Oh no. No no no. When Xbox finally gets on solid footing because they come swinging for the fences with fists full of games, I thoroughly plan to gloat about it while playing MCC on my Scorpio. I will be doing my best MC Hammer impression doing the "I was right and you were wrong" dance.

@BigBadBully: Agreed. As Jez Cordin wrote about this studio yesterday, they were working on a low budget with Myerson heading Windows devices. Spencer is a VP now, answering only to Nadella. He obviously won his support that gaming is worth investing in. They own Simplygon among other software companies used in the industry. They make money, that's no secret to any investor. Now they are looking to make a platform.

I said, Sony has been involved in entertainment for longer. They understand it much better. Movies, music, gaming, it's all entertainment and Sony is better versed at it. MS has to learn and this is positive news Imo that they are. We'll see

NextBox launch exclusive confirmed.

Jesus Christ more corporate shill speak. Just shut the **** up until you have something to show MS

So, definitely new game for at least five years.

What the **** is a "AAAA new IP"?

? MS can't help putting bullshit marketing spin on anything they do.

They should concentrate first on creating a new AAA IP that is good before they start making up bullshit terms like this. All the new IPs they've released this gen have either failed or have been turds. Whatever studio they are working on now won't have anything ready till 2021 at the earliest, and by that time PS5 will be out. This entire gen for MS has been a joke.

@cainetao11: Yes, Sony and MS just need to build on each others strengths. MS 1p and 3p ip support. Sony PSN/multiplayer, bc and more robust psnow game streaming.

Now this is more like it MS.

Watch as lems suddenly start praising whatever GOW clone these clowns come up with ?

You do realise making a AAAA game takes three years at the least.

So when they finally have a game out, Sony has already moved on to PS5...

His head is too far up Sony and his own ass that there is no returning. :)

To the topic. Phil Spencer has laid out their long term plan which was get the hardware right then focus on the games. This news should not come as surprise to anyone that actually reads. Also Phil has indicated that the company would no longer be announcing games prematurely because of the backlash of Fable and Scalebound. That strategy has an immediate downside in that there would be a lack of hype for upcoming games because upcoming games would be under wraps until and unspecified time.

AAAA? I hope the extra "A" isn't for microtransactions emphasis. W/e. People love the winning in gambling I guess.. relatively and in the context of video games.

This needed to be done years ago. Announced studio at E3 ?

Aaaand it's cancelled.

So THAT'S what the four As are for.

MS trying to do something positive and the hardcore Sony fans still aren’t happy.

"SP games and exclusives don't

matter" lol

Why, there's too many great Xbox games as it is? :P

Anyway, good news for Xbox and as always and perhaps the best part, makes anti-fans super salty. Good stuff.

Good, keep it up.

Step in the right direction but this should of been done YEARS ago........ It's clear that GOW got them shook in to action...

Agreed.

much better than just buying up gaming companies, instead hire some managers who actually understand gaming

Because they're not doing this for Sony fans?

Halo Battle Royale!

Who cares. At this point just put the Gamerpass on Ps4. You know that's the end game. I wouldn't touch it, but im sure some brain dead trolls would like it. Under the bridge with no internet.

Good news

Good luck to the new studio.

I think the lack of exclusives is finally getting to Microsoft and they want to change that good for them that’s awesome.

Really? Are you saying that all the talk about the Xbox from Sony fannies was for nothing?

They probably want to hit the ground running when next console arrives. Might be a little late for that with this studio. New IPs typically take longer.

They can barely make AAA and they want to talk about AAAA lol

When you got big ?!

Sony inspiring the hell out of Xbox these days. First it was Horizon Zero Dawn that caused Fable to return, now they are building a new studio right near Sony Santa Monica.

Phil probably gonna have spies hanging in trees watching SSM and trying to figure out of to make masterpieces.

Nah, i think they will spy on the PS5 dev kit.

Why?

what do you mean why? copy and paste is the MS business model

To see what they will use so they use better stuff, duh.

Lmao... yeah because Sony has never copied anybody else.

they may have, I never would imply that they dont and I dont know why you think my statement would suggest it.

but one thing is VERY clear, without question, MS is in the business primarly of acquiring other peoples innovation.

That has been their business model for more than a decade now.

so why would anyone not understand his statement is beyond me