Digital Anvil working on Xbox 2?

Texas-based Digital Anvil Studios, bought up by Microsoft Game Studios around three years ago, is currently advertising for an experienced programmer to work on "next generation hardware" according to a job advertisement spotted on Microsoft's website this week, prompting speculation that the developer is working on an Xbox 2 title.

The advertisement seeks "an experienced programmer to help us deliver stunning graphics on next generation hardware," and apart from the usual list of programming and DirectX experience requirements, the ad tellingly mentions that "console experience [is] a plus".

Although it wouldn't be altogether surprising to find out that Digital Anvil, a first-party developer with some big games like Brute Force and Freelancer under its belt, is working on next generation software for Microsoft, this latest round of Xbox 2 speculation seems to have more weight behind it than recent similar stories.

Further to the next-generation hints, the job advert also shed some light on the direction Digital Anvil may be taking with its next project, adding that "working knowledge of techniques for large outside environments [is] strongly desired." Large outdoor environments were certainly one of the better things about Xbox exclusive third-person shooter Brute Force, although it would be a bit far-fetched to suggest a sequel is underway based on this rather ambiguous comment.

Microsoft UK couldn't immediately respond to our questions when contacted today, but a spokesperson indicated that the company probably wouldn't have much to say in any event.