ZeniMax, the makers of The Elder Scrolls Online, are reportedly working on a new AAA title with new IP, according to studio head Matt Firor. They are looking to hire a lot of new employees.
What did Matt Firor say? In an interview with Official Xbox Magazine, ZeniMax studio head Matt Firor also mentioned a small detail that many had overlooked.
They are indeed looking for a lot of new employees to work on a new game. It is supposed to be a new AAA game, which will also cater to a new IP. So it probably has nothing to do with one of the franchises already known from ZeniMax/Bethesda.
What kind of developers are being sought? On the ZeniMax website, they are indeed looking to hire a lot of new people. Over 40 positions are being advertised, including:
- 3D Environment Artist
- Backend Engineer
- Content Designer
- Gameplay Engineer
- Lead UX Designer
- Live Services Manager
- Mobile Community Manager
- Mobile UI Designer
- Senior Mobile Product Manager
Mobile game or MMO?
Matt Firor explains that it will be a AAA title with a new engine. This indicates a substantial budget. On the other hand, some fans suspect (and fear) that it could be a mobile game. After all, they are specifically looking for Mobile Community Managers and Mobile UI Designers.
That’s why it might not be a mobile game: Although AAA titles can also be mobile games, many players associate the term more with large titles for PC and consoles.
Since only three specific mobile employees are being sought, this could be a completely different project. Perhaps an additional, new mobile game or a companion app.
It is also suggested that among the developer positions, the “New AAA game from ZeniMax” is specifically mentioned. There is no mention of that in the mobile positions. The UI Designer only states, “Develop intuitive and entertaining interfaces for mobile titles.”
Will there be ESO 2? This can actually be ruled out. For one, Matt Firor clearly stated that it is supposed to be a new IP, which means a new game universe. In an interview with MeinMMO, ZeniMax had already mentioned that they would not continue ESO, but rather move on.
Nevertheless, many fans fear that ZeniMax will treat the old game poorly with the release of a new MMO.
What will the new game be then? Since ZeniMax has only developed ESO, i.e., an MMORPG, many fans suspect that they will continue in this genre. However, since it is supposed to be a new IP, it is unlikely to be an MMO related to Fallout, Doom, Elder Scrolls, or Wolfenstein.
However, a MMO spin-off of Starfield, the new sci-fi RPG IP from Bethesda, is possible. The game is currently in development at Bethesda, and perhaps ZeniMax is also working on a game in that universe.
On the other hand, ZeniMax could also be working on a loot shooter or a pure single-player title. We might learn more about ZeniMax’s new game by E3.
What do you think is currently in the works at the ESO developers?
