Square Enix Starts Work on Next Generation Engine

[moogling]

Square Enix appears to have started work on a next generation game engine. And the image they've used to promote this fact is sure to draw some controversy.

Visit the the company's recruit page, and, as of March 9, you'll see this:

Above that little strip of Cloud Strife, the text reads "Seeking the highest level of talent," and in smaller characters, "New generation game engine development project starts."

The Japanese text in the large paragraph below Cloud notes that thanks to the appearance of the PS3 and Xbox 360, video game graphics and sound have seen dramatic increases. In the future, gaming visuals and sound could meet or even exceed movie quality, demanding a high level game development environment. To meet the quality demanded of games in the coming years while dealing with costs, game development environments will need not just "reforms," but "revolution."

"At Square Enix, in anticipation of the appearance of next generation platforms, we've started development on a new generation game engine for competing beyond the level of the strong developers throughout the world, and are presently seeking a lot of talent."

Positions include game engine system programmer, 3D graphics core programmer, online system programmer, Windows application programmer, rendering programmer, server/DB programmer, plug-in programmer, technical artist and technical writer. The system and core programmer all ask for PS3 and Xbox 360 development experience, with strong knowledge of SPUs. The online system programmer position asks for knowledge of large scale client programming of the type seen in MMOs. The positions are all based in Tokyo.

Source: Andriasang

 

[ScratchCardGlory]

So this will be the only gen with only one game in the main series?
hmm guess they leeft this one later then the other games on pevious gens

better to start ona new generation engine now then to rebulid later

 

[Linnaete]

The Crystal Tools will reach obselescence already? I guess FFXV may run on a new engine then - Crystal Tools for the FFXIII Compilation.

And the image they've used to promote this fact is sure to draw some controversy.

Whenever the word "FFVII" or an image of Cloud pops up in articles - this always tends to happen. Cue the speculation again I suppose. >_>

To meet the quality demanded of games in the coming years while dealing with costs, game development environments will need not just "reforms," but "revolution."

A revolution is certainly needed to develop a new entry in the franchise with HD visuals and perhaps towns without the need of a monstrously aeon-long development cycle. If a future game is style over substance again, I wouldn't want to have to wait a long time for it anyway.

 

[King Sean]

They don't learn, do they? If they are going to start work on a new engine and they use CLOUD STRIFE as the poster boy, they will be speculation again

They could have least used someone else. That way, they won't be another rumor again.
And wasn't the tool used in FFXIII used for the first time? Why are they starting work on another one? I don't get it

 

[Abstract Debauchery]

They're either messing with the fanboys again, or using Cloud as the posterboy because he's so "recognizable" and all that stuff. At this point in the game, and about 50 debates later, I kind of stopped caring.

 

[Gingerbread Lesbian]

"Seeking the highest level of talent,"

How can they recruit with that? The only person who is going to be at that level with next gen gaming is current developers who already have experience from other companies, ie. Insomniac, Naughty Dog etc. I doubt anyone who isn't already an accomplished "professional" has access to the required stuff needed to take on HD gaming.

 

[Ohri-Jin]

Cid Raines - "When it comes down to it, it's just a game."

I never saw FF titles as games...It was like my own little heaven on this hell called earth.
For me it truly was my ultimate fantasy, world after world, characters I tend to love and care about. it was like a real movie and I was the main character and I could direct, observe etc. FF was a part of my life.

We all know the hidden messages and morale aspects that each FF title is trying to tell.

But to be honest I think FF13 is just a game. Maybe I just grew up finally... but I hope to see a FF title one day that gives me the same joy that FF8 and FFX gave me.
FF8 was IMO one of the best. (at least better then FF7 which is overrated)





On topic : PS1 was the first console to introduce 3d pictures/gaming right?
Cloud is just SE's ambassador. Cloud has become a icon because that time FF7 was their first real succes for world wide audience.

My opinion becuz I never heard of FF before FF7 showed up.

 

[Rey]

Lol Cloud as the poster boy. CLOUD XLOUD CLOUD it never ends... Anyway why couldnt they put someone else as poster girl/boy. I mainly think its becAUSE EVERYONE LIKes Cloud Strife well ff VII fanboys at least. So if XV is gonna have an all new engine thats cool but they are seeking who exactly? I cant believe im talking about XV when XIII just came out

 

[DeadFantasy]

A new generation engine huh?
After XII and XIII coming soon (and since the previous FF games when on the PS and PS2) I figured that the newest one would be on the PS3 which would only make sense so, that was the main reason I bought the PS3 for XIII and KHIII as well

So i'm sure if SE is starting up a new game system all the future FF games and othr games SE makes will be on that one so that all the fans will have to buy it to play future games >_>
Dontcha think it'll take forever though? I mean I think the sound and graphics on the PS3 are fantastic

and.... i'm not even gunna say anthing about Cloud....

 

[Tmoo]

this is just a recruitment announcement yes? why NOT have Cloud as the poster boy? he's the most popular FF protagonist and an icon for RPG's. it makes logical sense that SE would use him.