14 DAY TRIAL // Video game hardware developer and publisher Microsoft has apparently created a new category of video game projects, advertising a job opening for an AAAA project, which might signal a title that is being linked to the next hardware platform from the company.
The job ad, linked to the position of executive producer, reads: “Microsoft Studios (Xbox) is looking for a dynamic and seasoned Executive Producer to lead and develop a world-class team who will own the creation and delivery of a AAAA experience that delivers on 1st party goals and, more importantly, creates a fun gaming experience for our audience.”
Traditionally, the AAA designation has been used to refer to a high-end profile that will have a big investment from the publisher and will benefit from the input of a big development team.
The rest of the job ad also talks repeatedly about the Xbox brand but never refers to the Xbox 360 home console, which might mean that Microsoft is actively recruiting for a video game project that is linked to its next hardware platform.
Microsoft Studios is linked to both first-party and third-party video game development and is connected to such franchises like Halo and Fable.
The division oversees the projects created by studios like Rare, 343 Industries and Lionhead.
Microsoft has repeatedly denied that it is working on a new home console and says that it has long-term plans for the Xbox 360, the device that has spent more than one full year at the top of the NPD Group compiled hardware chart for the United States market.
Rumors are saying that the Xbox 720 will include a better Kinect motion tracking technology and a system to eliminate the used game market.
Sony is also rumored to be working on next-generation hardware, although it is also officially denying them.