Maxis Starts Hiring for What Might Be a New IP

Maxis appears to be starting work on a new IP based on a recent job advert for a senior designer, which would be its first since co-founder Will Wright left in 2009. 

The studio is looking for a designer to work on a "new, unannounced Maxis product being created at EA’s Redwood Shores, California Studio." Listed under the position's requirements is a familiarity with a number of recent, multiplayer-oriented sandbox series such as Little Big Planet, Disney Infinity, Minecraft (and the mod Roboblox) and Project Spark--all of which feature gameplay that is decidedly different from that of Maxis' own titles. This has led many to speculate that the studio is looking to launch an entirely new IP, it's first since Spore was released in 2008. 

However, Maxis' Redwood Shores branch is The Sims Studio--which was created post-Sims 2 to handle the franchise's development--meaning speculators may be jumping the gun on an entirely new IP. Rather, it seems possible that Maxis is looking for someone to head another Sims spin-off series a la The Sims FreePlay; the listing also mentions mobile and tablet companion applications, and notes that "the unique nature of this product requires prior experience in deeply social multiplayer games such as MMOs." 

Perhaps the developer is ready to give the idea of a Sims MMO another shot? It seems possible, but not totally likely, given that Maxis also wants an understanding of RPG-style leveling, crafting, and loot systems. Whatever the genre, free-to-play seems to be the name of the game. The studio is also looking for a senior designer with the ability to include monetization aspects in a free-to-play game in "simple, natural, respectful ways."