Blizzard’s “Titan” MMO to Feature Product Placement?

Given the near-total dominance that World of Warcraft has seen over the past decade, it's no wonder that everyone is anxious to see what Blizzard has in store for their next-gen MMO. Despite the fact that the project has been in development for nearly four years, it remains a total unknown, save for its code-name, Titan.

Now, a job listing on Blizzard's website has given us another small clue as to what Titan might entail. The opening, for a "franchise development producer," is looking for someone who, among other things, can "work with major consumer brands to facilitate product placement and licensing within the world of Blizzard Entertainment's next-gen MMO that enhances the gameplay experience."

What exactly that means is anyone's guess. Will Titan's setting lend itself to inconspicuous product placement and licensed equipment? Could Blizzard be working on some kind of ad-supported MMO model to replace monthly subscription fees?

There are plenty of plausible explanations, but the listing — which also reveals plans for "brand-extending merchandise" that includes books, toys, comics, and apparel — makes one thing eminently clear: Activision Blizzard wants Titan to make a whole lot money.