In a development that will come as a surprise to precisely no one who followed Microsoft’s $8.5 billion-dollar acquisition of Skype nearly one year ago, the console-maker is now seeking to fill the position of “Software Development Engineer, Xbox – Skype.” Though Microsoft has issued no formal confirmation that it will be bringing its voice-over-internet-protocol service to its home home video-game console, the job opening — which is based in London — would seem to imply that is precisely what the firm is doing.

“We’re building the next generations of our products and technology right here in London,” reads the listing, “and Skype is looking to hire a Software Development Engineer to contribute to the development of our experiences on Xbox.” The individual who is ultimately hired as said engineer will join a “new team” within Microsoft.

Interestingly, the listing specifically mentions as a “passion for shipping product” as an attribute Microsoft is looking for in candidates. While there is of course nothing to ship when it comes to Skype, the wording strongly alludes to the software titan’s desire to make Skype on Xbox Live an actual service, rather than just a pet project. Again, such a move would not exactly come out of left field. Still, with the move still being qualified as unofficial at this time, there is no target date for its Xbox release.

Xbox gamers have enjoyed standard voice chat in Xbox Live-enabled titles for years now, but there is definitely room for improvement. As our sister site, Xbox Kinect Fans, points out, the sound quality for Xbox chat is superior today than when the service was initially introduced. However, Xbox owners will surely welcome the increased sound quality and larger suite of options offered by the 663-million-user-strong Skype.

Sources: Xbox Kinect Fans and Microsoft