Today Microsoft has announced that it has acquired the IP to Epic franchise Gears of War. New Vancouver-based studio Black Tusk has been tasked with creating future entries to the series, presumably exclusive to the Xbox One.
The announcement was made over on the Xbox website and said:
“Today we’re excited to announce that Microsoft Studios has acquired the rights to the “Gears of War” franchise from Epic Games, including rights to all existing and future games, entertainment experiences and merchandise. In addition, we are excited to announce that Black Tusk Studios in Vancouver, BC will take over development of the “Gears of War” franchise and that Rod Fergusson, former Director of Production at Epic Games on the “Gears of War” franchise, will join Microsoft and play a key studio leadership role at Black Tusk on the development of the franchise going forward.”
It is great news for the series that the former director Rod Fergusson is joining the team, this means that you know the game will be in good hands and you can trust that the new Gears of War will be up to original Epic standards.
One question that needed to be answered was why choose a new studio and not an established one? Fortunately Phil Spencer has answered this and has allayed any fears that anyone might have, he said:
Black Tusk has assembled a world-class team with deep experience and passion for the shooter space, and specifically the “Gears of War” franchise. I am extremely confident that under the leadership of Hanno Lemke, Rod Fergusson and our other leaders in the studio, Black Tusk is well equipped to take on the future development of the “Gears of War” franchise.
Personally I am very excited for more Gears of War games, the Gears franchise was known for pushing the envelope on graphics and I hope this new Gears of War does the same on the Xbox One. Let me know in the comments below if you are looking forward to a new Gears of War game, do you think a new studio can pull off such a big franchise?
