Microsoft announced on Monday that for an undisclosed sum they have fully acquired the ‘Gears of War’ franchise from Epic Games.
The deal includes all of the rights and profits of all existing and future ‘Gears of War’ games, entertainment experiences and merchandise. Microsoft has placed ‘Gears of War’ under the supervision of Redmond’s Black Tusk game development studio in Vancouver, B.C.
Working side by side, Tusk and Microsoft Studios is planning on expanding the ‘Gears of War’ experience by creating new content for the story. Being an Xbox only platform game, ‘Gears of War’ has long been loved by many Xbox gamers. To date, more than 22 million ‘Gears of War’ units have been sold worldwide, grossing more than $1 billion.
“The ‘Gears of War’ franchise has a very strong, passionate and valued fan base on Xbox,” Phil Spencer, head of Microsoft Studios, said in a statement. “This franchise, and these fans, are part of the soul of Xbox. By acquiring this franchise, Microsoft Studios will continue to offer them more of their favorite games and entertainment experiences from the ‘Gears of War’ universe.”
Also a part of the deal, Rod Fergusson, Epic Game’s former production director for the ‘Gears of War’ franchise, will join Microsoft in working to continue the story line. This is outstanding news as Fergusson has worked on all ‘Gears of War’ games meaning he will ensure the next games are sure to impress.
“I’ve been privileged to work on a lot of great games with a lot of great teams, but ‘Gears’ has had the most impact on me professionally and personally, so this really feels like a homecoming,” Fergusson said. “I can’t wait to share more with you all soon.”
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