A recent job posting on Blizzard’s website for a Franchise Development Producer indicates that Blizzard may be looking to roll out their next MMO with a free to play model included. The job position involves:
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.
In the past Activision Blizzard’s Bobby Kotick has stated that in-game advetrtising would be looked at but only if the players were not paying the full price for the game.
“There may be future opportunities where you might offer a consumer an advertiser-supported experience so they wouldn’t have to pay for it,” he continued. “But as long as our audience is paying $60 for a game or a subscription fee I think we’re going to limit the amount of advertising or sponsorship incorporated into a game.”
The job position could also be some indication of when the game is set, in-game advertising doesn’t really work in a fantasy setting so perhaps Blizzard’s next MMO will be set in the present day or the future.
Thanks NeoGaf via Diablo: IncGamers.
