ArenaNet, the developer studio behind the MMORPG Guild Wars 2, is working on a new game. They are looking for an employee for a 3rd-person fantasy action game that is supposed to be released on consoles (perhaps PS5 and Xbox).
What is ArenaNet looking for? According to a job posting, an Art Director is needed for a new, yet to be officially announced game.
Requirements include:
- Experience with Unreal Engine 4
- At least ten years of experience in game development
- Passion for game development
- Experience in producing at least 3 console games
MMO or Action Game?
Are there any hints about the game? Yes. The game is described as a “3rd-person fantasy action game for consoles.” ArenaNet’s own description emphasizes the online focus, but this is not highlighted in the actual job description.
What could this game be? This could indicate a title that leans towards a fantasy Destiny. Loot shooters are currently successful, but simply releasing another such game might be challenging.
However, the fantasy approach would be a special feature. So, instead of handling guns, players would primarily use melee weapons like swords and axes. Ranged combat could also be important through bows and magic.
It could also be something that orients itself around For Honor. A multiplayer action game where battles in a fantasy world are the focus.
Could it also become an MMORPG? The description suggests that we should not expect an MMORPG. It explicitly refers to an action game. However, this does not mean that there couldn’t be MMO and RPG elements. But a classic MMORPG would surely have been described differently by ArenaNet.
We might have to wait for more info
When could we learn more about the game? As an Art Director is currently being sought, this suggests that the development of the game is still in its early stages. The Art Director will help determine the direction of the graphic style.
Therefore, it is conceivable that we might have to wait a few years before we find out more about the title.
What else is being sought? In addition to the Art Director, ArenaNet is currently still looking for a Lead Unreal Engineer. This person must have experience with Unreal Engine 4, at least six years of experience in game development, and have worked on systems that have been integrated into published games.
It is possible that this job posting is unrelated to that of the Art Director. It may be a separate project or connected to Guild Wars.
What do the players think? There is already lively discussion about the game on Reddit. Opinions range from a console port of the MMORPG Guild Wars 2 to a Guild Wars 3 to a kind of loot shooter.
- Lencrennis for example says: “Sounds like an ARPG. An MMO-lite of the loot shooter kind. Such a thing has proven to be a marketable product.”
- Space1Robot writes: “I would like to see a console port of GW2.”
- JunkGobbler explains: “I don’t think Anet will stay in the MMO market after losing all goodwill from players due to the way they are handling GW2.”
What do you think? What could the developers of Guild Wars 2 be working on?
