Activision Blizzard opens positions for new game

Activision Blizzard is on the lookout for senior staff members to work on an unannounced new game, indicating the possibility of a fresh IP or revival of a classic series. The job listings include vital positions such as creative director, combat AI design director, and senior art director, hinting at a project that may involve "multi-season story arcs" and potentially fall under the live service model. This recruitment effort comes after the significant layoffs of 1,900 employees following Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard.

The gaming community is left pondering whether some of the laid-off talents will return to fill these new roles. Additionally, the expectation is high for this upcoming game, especially since Activision Blizzard has faced setbacks with controversies around Overwatch 2 and the cancellation of a previously unannounced survival shooter. This new title needs to be a success to mitigate past issues and chart a positive course for the company.

What is the new game that Activision Blizzard is hiring for?

The exact nature of the new game has not been revealed. The hiring spree points toward a significant project, possibly a new IP or the revival of a beloved franchise, given the need for senior roles in the development team including creative and combat AI directors.

Activision Blizzard's decision to develop a new game despite recent layoffs reflects the gaming industry's cyclical nature of talent reallocation. While layoffs are unfortunate, they are sometimes part of broader strategic shifts within companies. The move to hire for new, pivotal positions indicates a significant investment in a new project, and the company's future successes hinge on making this game resonate with players.

As Activision Blizzard embarks on this new venture, one can't help but reflect on their storied history with franchises like Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, and Diablo. Should this new game be a revival of a classic IP, it could tap into a rich vein of nostalgia and expectation, potentially leveraging Activision Blizzard's extensive experience in crafting engaging gaming experiences. Given Microsoft's acquisition and expressed interest in revisiting classic IPs, the gaming community is watching closely to see if this new game will indeed draw from the company's prestigious legacy or forge a new path entirely.