Blizzard Next-Gen MMO Goes Post-Apocalyptic?
The whole internet is abuzz with rumors after Blizzard Entertainment posted a job opening for a Franchise Development Producer. The description of this position definitely makes you ponder:
"Work with major consumer brands to facilitate product placement and licensing within the world of Blizzard Entertainment's next-gen MMO that enhances the gameplay experience."
This description causes one to ponder if the upcoming Next-Gen MMO is based in a post-apocalyptic Earth scenario, or "Terran" intergalactic setting. To be clear, this is the type of position responsible to get -- for example -- Pepsi, Dominos Pizza, LEGO, Intel, NVIDIA type of advertisement in posters, billboards, and signs across a city landscape.
Games you might have seen with this type of content: Prototype, Hellgate: London, TheSims and other games.
A few days ago, I speculated on Blizzard developing a Transformers MMO -- which is of course far-fetched. A game like that could use the micro-transaction model, showing in-game ads via posters, billboards, and commercial signs.
Job Opening: Franchise Development Producer
Blizzard Entertainment is looking for a highly organized individual with outstanding communications skills, proven experience in production, and a track record of shipping AAA products to help lead the efforts on its next-gen MMO. Responsibilities
Be the key evangelist for producing products which expand the next-gen MMO brand outside of the gaming industry, ensuring alignment with Blizzard Entertainment's overall brand strategy.
Be the key liaison between the development team and other functional teams within Blizzard Entertainment (e.g. creative development, licensing, marketing, legal) to create brand-extending merchandise for the next-gen MMO franchise, including:
Books / Novels
Action figures
Comics
Short movies
Apparel
Work with major consumer brands to facilitate product placement and licensing within the world of Blizzard Entertainment's next-gen MMO that enhances the gameplay experience.
Direct strategic analysis of market trends and competition.
Build and manage internal and external partner relationships.
Work with legal team to define and conquer any legal hurdles necessary to execute the franchise vision.
Requirements
Demonstrated passion for computer games and related entertainment products / media (i.e. comics, movies, toys, etc.)
Outstanding communications, project management, and relationship-building skills
A minimum of 3 years product management, licensing, or business development experience in the entertainment or toy industries
Able to work well in a team environment with various internal groups such as creative development, marketing, legal, Blizzard Entertainment development teams, etc.
Able to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously and meet deadlines
Outstanding networking skills
Bachelor's degree
Apply to this job position here.
Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. and its affiliated companies is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.
Micro-Transaction Images
Here are some old screenshots I got from Hellgate: London beta a few years ago. Posters could be found throughout the subway stations.
Some Prototype screenshots with billboards.