Microsoft Acquires the Rights to Gears of War

Microsoft announced this week that it has acquired the rights to the Gears of War franchise from developer Epic Games. Although the series was mostly synonymous with the Xbox brand during the seventh generation, Microsoft never actually owned the rights. That is, until now.

Microsoft now owns all the the rights to Gears of War, including "all existing and future games, entertainment experiences and merchandise." Moving forward, the series will be developed by Microsoft's Black Tusk Studio. Rod Fergusson, former Director of Production at Epic Games, has joined Black Tusk and will play a "key studio leadership role at Black Tusk on the development of the franchise going forward."