It's been assumed for quite some time that Blizzard Entertainment is working on a new massively multiplayer online game. In April, Blizzard indicated a "next-gen MMO" was in the works by way of job listings on its official Web site. Playing coy, however, the World of Warcraft developer simply noted that it had a number of unannounced projects under its awnings, but no official confirmation of a new title would be forthcoming.
At this year's Austin Game Developer's Conference, Blizzard CEO Michael Morhaime reiterated that fact, saying the studio was "starting to think about what we want to do next," but that Blizzard wouldn't be ready to open up about a new project "probably not for a long time."
That time is apparently drawing nearer--somewhat, at least. After a new batch of job requisitions were posted to Blizzard's Web site, WOW fans flocked to the game's message boards to salivate over the prospects of World of Guitar Hero--stemming from the developer's recent merger with megapublisher Activision. After a fan speculated that the openings were simply for Wrath of the Lich King--announced during this year's BlizzCon as the second expansion to WOW--a Blizzard community representative for the first time officially confirmed that Blizzard was working on a new MMOG.
"No, it is an unannounced next-gen MMO," said the rep. "And that doesn't mean an expansion for World of Warcraft either."
In addition to Wrath of the Lich King, Blizzard has announced it is working on Starcraft II, the first new full installment in its popular real-time strategy franchise in a decade.
