When the news broke yesterday that popular franchise Gears of War was purchased by Mircosoft, not many gamers or insiders in the industry were that surprised. The news became more interesting upon learning that Black Tusk Studios would be taking over the reign from Epic Games along with Rod Fergusson. Why it seems obvious to expect a new title on the Xbox One it goes to wonder of what direction the series can go?
By the end of the Gears of War 3 (Spoiler Alert!) all the Lambent, Locust, and the Queen had been killed in the chaos on Azura island. Everything for the heroes seems to be finally finish, so what new enemy could they possibly fight in a Gears of War 4? That in itself brings another question along, will there be a sequel or more prequels in the work along the lines of Gears of War: Judgment? I won’t lie and say that I am a pretty big Gears head myself and have read all the comics and novels so know much about the lore to know that much material and battles have not been covered.
One prominent theory I have heard been suggested is that there could be a Gears of War game set during the infamous Pendulum Wars: a long period of strife between the C.O.G. and the Indies. Much of these battles could be made into a game and the prospect of fighting human enemies in a Gears game would be interesting, but is that really true to the franchise of games? Gears of War has always been about big set piece moments, ugly monsters, and beefy heroes, so it would be a little weird.
I can’t say what Black Tusk Studios has planned, but recent job listings suggest a new story and characters being considered. I love the series and the fact that it will come alive in next-gen with the new Unreal Engine 4 behind it makes me quite excited and very curious to see what direction Fergusson wants to take the game.
