14 DAY TRIAL // While it may be expected from other major companies and publishers to support the arrival of the upcoming motion controller, Project Natal, Microsoft doesn't plan on leaving all the cards in someone else's hands. The company plans on bringing at least one of its own "large franchises" over to the Natal library, so, hopefully, this means that there will be at least one game that will have Natal's control mechanics flawlessly implemented. CVG spotted a job ad made by Microsoft for a Level Designer that will be involved with a "Project Natal Job" and will work at the Redmond Campus in Washington, US.
The job listing reads that, "'MGS is looking for a talented, motivated and experienced Sr. Level Designer who can create innovative game-play solutions for a large franchise." Further on, it details some of the skills the Sr. Level Designer is expected to possess, but also some of the game's features. "Must have a clear understanding and experience creating mission/environment design, look and feel, AI, combat, strategy, game-flow, and balance. We want somebody who can put forth ideas without fear, and build off other people's zany creations."
So, the game that Microsoft is thinking about bringing to its upcoming pet project will feature combat, and since the Level Designer is expected to input "balance" in the title, we can also expect several factions, either in multiplayer or in single player. And while that may sound like the basis of a pretty good game, especially since it will most definitely have a considerable budged, the fact that "zany" ideas are frowned upon is a bit disappointing. After all, Brutal Legend broke the pattern and left the "comfort zone" of classic ideas, and not only did it do great on the market, but it was also a very enjoyable, fresh experience.
As for Microsoft's decision to support Project Natal with a big title, that comes as no surprise, since the company seems to be willing to go all out and bet everything on the new controller. Being ready to sacrifice a large franchise with a possible Natal-dedicated title that could prove to be a failure proves exactly that. If anything is surprising it is that it waited this long to start the project, or that, if already started, it waited this long to find a Senior Level Designer for the game.