The ex-lead writer of Overwatch, Michael Chu, is working on a "multiplayer character-action game" for
new 2K Games studio 31st Union. Twitter user
MauroNL put together a thread looking at 31st Union's job openings. The most telling nugget of info comes from the
Senior Software Engineer listing, which calls 31st Union's upcoming game a "multiplatform multiplayer character-action game," which sounds like a similar premise to other hero shooters such as Overwatch or Team Fortress 2. A
Senior Engine Programmer listing also calls the game "AAA," desiring a candidate familiar with "PS4, Xbox One, IOS and Android development tools." Other listings mention familiarity with Unreal Engine 4, suggesting this is the engine the game is being built in. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/12/09/new-bioshock-announced-ign-now"] Ex-Overwatch Lead Writer Michael Chu joined 31st Union in July 2020 and mentions in a
blog post on the studio's website that he is passionate about creating inclusive characters, and has found a studio that represents these values in 31st Union. "Our mission is not only to tell diverse, representative stories, but to create systems that will enable us to authentically and accurately represent underrepresented groups from around the world, and perhaps most importantly, to foster an inclusive environment where these stories are told by a broad and diverse group of creators who speak with their own voices, from their own experiences," his blog post reads. A
Writer listing for the mysterious upcoming game mentions how the candidate will be responsible for pitching "original characters and storylines" as well as working on in-game factions to "shape the future of storytelling in online multiplayer gaming." An opening for a
Senior World / Level Designer talks about the need for those experienced in "online multiplayer action games" to "own map ideas from inception to completion" with a focus on fine-tuning post-launch. "Can take a set of systems or player abilities and build spaces that highlight those abilities in interesting and creative ways," the listing reads. That specific mention of player abilities adds to the mounting evidence that the game will be a hero shooter in the vein of Overwatch. Potential
Software Engineers will work on matchmaking, telemetry, replay, latency spikes and more, and will need to "improve network code resistance to cheating and security exploits," which are all facets of a successful multiplayer character-action game. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/05/19/overwatch-review-2020-update"] Of course, the game hasn't been officially revealed yet, but we'll be sure to keep you posted if we hear anything more.
VG247 reported in early 2020 that according to a Take-Two earnings call, 31st Union's game was
going to be revealed "over the coming months," but plans may have been impacted by the pandemic. 31st Union is based in San Mateo, California and was established back in February of 2019, with the studio's name being
revealed in February of 2020. The team is being led by Michael Condrey, previously the co-founder of Sledgehammer Games. Elsewhere at 2K, another new studio known as
Cloud Chamber is working on a brand new Bioshock game. [poilib element="accentDivider"]
Jordan Oloman is a freelance writer for IGN. Follow him on Twitter.
source
https://www.ign.com/articles/overwatch-michael-chu-31st-union-new-game-multiplayer-character-action
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