Gears of War: Judgment was more than just a sequel, it was a completion of a contract. Epic Games was prepared to move on to bigger and brighter things which meant that Gears of War’s fate was left somewhat in question. All things considered the series has performed well and has a strong following, so its probably no surprise that ultimately Microsoft Studios has wound up acquiring the license for the series.
Today Microsoft released an interview with Phil Spencer, Hanno Lemke who is the general manager of Black Tusk Studios, and newly minted Microsoft employee Rob Fergusson whose name you may have seen back when he was the Director of Production back at Epic Games.
Black Tusk (formerly known as Microsoft Vancouver) has been given control of the series and will be working on an upcoming sequel under the watchful eye of Fergusson who served as executive producer on the first three games in the franchise.
I imagine Phil Spencer being interviewed by the Xbox Press Wire is probably a lot like Phil Spencer interviewing himself, so it’s no surprise when Microsoft tries to beat you to the obvious question: Why are you giving an Xbox flagship franchise to a studio that’s yet to churn out a single game?
Spencer replies:
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.
Of course he could have just jerked his head in a gesture over to 343 who you will recall was created solely to carry on the Halo legacy and for the most part has done a fairly admirable job.
You can find the full interview on Microsoft’s site.
