It looks like Maxis is working on a new IP. The Electronic Arts-owned developer, best known for The Sims series, is apparently looking to hire a new creative director for a new IP, according to a job listing found on Linkedin.
"You will lead, foster and mentor an experienced team of developers working on a new IP, crafting the vision and leading the execution of a compelling, innovative and immersive experience." states the listing.
The listing also notes that the person selected for the job will be working at the companies development studio in Austin, Texas, and that a "strong mix of creative and leadership experience" in PC products, mobile titles and live service functions, implying this new IP will not only carry a form of the live service model but also be playable PC and mobile devices.
There is also a mention in the listing for experience in working with "licensing partners" which also implies that the new IP may be a licensed-based game, along with the development of games that support user-generated content, which also seems to imply game modding as well. Other requirements include 10 years of industry experience working on AAA titles, 5 years of director and producer experience, in-depth knowledge of game design, and of course, a passion for games.
This is the first main job listing spotted from the Maxis branch in Austin, after the original Maxis, located in Emeryville, California, shut down in 2015. Maxis, however, was not dissolved as a studio under EA, and instead re-shuffled into the EA Worldwide Studios, currently led by Laura Miele. Rachel Franklin is the lead at Maxis, and Maxis has The Sims Studio under its umbrella which handles development on The Sims 4.
What are your thoughts on this job listing? What do you think Maxis is working on? Leave your comments below.