The ring that single handedly turned Microsoft’s fortune is set for a stupendous comeback in the near future. With Bungie’s Halo game being pushed off E3 for a dedicated event, there has been a lot of rife and speculation about the nature and working of the game. Microsoft Game Studios recently posted a bunch of recruitment notices up on its site specifically referring to the full fledged development of the next Halo project.
- I.) Job description:
Senior AI Developer
Microsoft Game Studios’ Halo team is looking for a seasoned game developer to help develop a new game in the Halo universe. Work on one of the most exciting and creative intellectual properties in the industry; we are gathering an incredible team to help drive the future of Halo. As a Senior AI Developer, you play a core role in enabling designers and animators to realize their visions on screen. The ideal candidate will be able to architect an AI system to best support the game vision. You will need to be able to collaborate with creative people and deliver solid, performant code in a AAA game engine. You must be a team player!
RESPONSIBILITIES
As a Senior AI Developer on the MGS Halo team, you will work directly with the design team to spec, schedule and implement the AI systems for the game. You will be directly responsible for both the low level systems and the high level behavior features.
Deliver on key AI features in cooperation with designers and artists
Implement low level systems (such as path finding) to best support the game’s needs
Create an easy-to-use, high level behavior state system to enable designers to iterate rapidly
Aid in the architecture and implementation of the game engine
QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS
Experience shipping games. You must have shipped an AAA current generation game as an AI Developer.
At least 5 years of C/C++ professional experience (C# is a plus).
Strong Debugging and Optimization skills in a multi-threaded environment.
A strong math background.
Strong Cross-Team Communication Skills.
You can talk to creatives (e.g. artists and game designers).
An amazing passion for creating games.
II. Creative Director – building a new Halo universe:
Microsoft Game Studios’ Halo team is looking for a superstar Creative Director to help develop a new experience in the Halo universe. This is your chance to contribute to one of the most exciting and creative properties in the entertainment industry.
The Creative Director for this team will need to define and drive a vision that takes a beloved IP and delivers a new and innovative experience. The ideal candidate is a source of inspiration, leadership, creative focus, and most importantly, is a guiding light for the project team. Boundless imagination is balanced with a deep understanding of the game development process; the ability to ideate is combined with the communication skills to concisely direct. And yeah, you have to have been around the block a lot.
RESPONSIBILITIES
As Creative Director, you will work with the Executive Producer and other team leads to define the game vision and execute on that vision with excellence.
1. Direct the tone and timber of the project with an eye towards compelling character development, visionary narrative progression, and addictive gameplay.
2. Partner with key Hollywood talent to collaboratively craft a masterful game experience. Bridge the gap between storytelling and the interactive experience while delivering on the Halo soul.
3. Collaborate with game play designers, story writers, game writers, and said external luminary to deliver on a unique game in the Halo universe
4. Set clear creative goals and deliverables; lead and focus efforts across the design team to ensure a cohesive experience across the game.
5. Anticipate threats to quality and innovation and work effectively with the team leads to mitigate, build and maintain a collaborative relationship with Art, Dev, Audio, and production that ensures a best-in-industry production process.
QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS
Deep experience working on AAA console titles as Design or Creative Director – at least 2 shipped titles from concept to shelf in either role
Experience with shooters combined with a passion for character development.
Ability to shepherd non-creative folk through the creative process; ability to hold a strong creative vision while also keeping that vision agile.
A master-level understanding of cinematic and storytelling technique.
Capable of providing focused and inspiring creative leadership.
“Hollywood talent”, does this mean/hint to Peter Jackson’s’ much touted Halo project, perhaps only time shall reveal the true nature of this oblivious and shrouded project.