That’ll be for ”current and next-gen” platforms, says the job ad. They also want a Physics Programmer for ”cutting-edge physics and collision”, although there’s no specific mention of ‘next-gen’.
Still it doesn’t take much to read between the lines. The studio wants their Rockstar Advanced Game Engine (RAGE) beefed up. The engine tech powered GTA IV.
Red Dead Redemption’s Rockstar San Diego office meanwhile is swinging the lasso overhead for a ”networking programmer who specializes in the synchronization of the wide range of gameplay mechanics found in a Rockstar open world game”, which would have them ”working with engineering and design staff to integrate dynamic multiplayer into all areas of gameplay”. This looks like GTA V’s multiplayer is taking a page out of Red Dead.
Rockstar North has a similar position for ”synchronising large open-world environments within limited bandwidth constraints”, reports OXM. Already known is the role that ‘crews’ will be playing in Grand Theft Auto V, as they were introduced in Max Payne 3’s multiplayer and said to ‘carry over’ into the next GTA.
Dan Houser says ”there’s plenty of power” in Xbox 360 and PS3 and that’s why GTA V is current gen.
