The long-running Gears of War series is finally back this week with the release of Gears of War: Reloaded, a full remake of the original 2006 game. But one thing fans noticed is that franchise creator Cliff Bleszinski has no part in this new project, even though his work defined the series from the start. Bleszinski has now spoken out about the remake, making it clear he holds no bad feelings toward Microsoft or the developers behind it.
Gears of War: Reloaded Arrives After Years of Dormancy
The Gears of War franchise has been quiet in recent years, with no major new game since Gears 5 in 2019. That silence ends now with the arrival of Gears of War: Reloaded, a remake that updates the original game for modern platforms.
The remake is especially notable because for the first time ever, Gears of War is launching on PlayStation alongside Xbox and PC. The series was historically known as a cornerstone of Xbox exclusives, so this marks a big shift for the franchise and Microsoft’s strategy.
Cliff Bleszinski’s Role in the Franchise
Cliff Bleszinski, also known as “CliffyB,” was the lead designer of the original Gears of War at Epic Games. His design choices helped shape the iconic third-person cover shooter mechanics that defined the franchise and influenced many other games in the genre.
Bleszinski left Epic Games in 2012 and hasn’t worked on the series since then. After Microsoft purchased the Gears of War rights in 2014, the franchise moved under The Coalition studio, who has developed the more recent entries. With Gears of War: Reloaded, Bleszinski once again finds himself on the sidelines, but he says he is content with the situation.
Bleszinski Speaks on the Remake
In a new interview with Eurogamer, Bleszinski explained how he feels about Gears of War: Reloaded being made without him.
“It doesn’t feel strange,” he said. “I’m thrilled that more people are going to get to experience a big part of my legacy that I worked so hard on.”
The creator added that he is not upset about the series no longer being exclusive to Xbox. In fact, he welcomes the idea that PlayStation owners will finally get the chance to play the franchise he built almost two decades ago.
No Plans to Return, But Open to Consulting
Although some fans hope that Bleszinski could make a full return to the series, he indicated that it’s unlikely. He made it clear that working directly on new Gears of War projects is not in his future. However, he did mention he would be open to consulting if Microsoft or The Coalition ever asked.
Even without his direct involvement, Bleszinski’s original design philosophy remains deeply embedded in the remake. The mechanics, characters, and atmosphere he created in 2006 are still the backbone of the series in 2025.
Why Gears of War: Reloaded Matters
For longtime fans, Gears of War: Reloaded represents both nostalgia and a new beginning. It reintroduces the brutal cover-based combat and dark storytelling that made the original a classic, while modern visuals and gameplay tweaks bring it closer to today’s standards.
For new players, especially those on PlayStation, this remake is a chance to finally step into the world of Marcus Fenix and the fight against the Locust Horde. Microsoft’s decision to expand beyond Xbox exclusivity shows how the company is changing its approach to its biggest franchises.
What’s Next for the Franchise
With Gears of War: Reloaded now available, questions remain about what comes next. Microsoft and The Coalition have yet to announce Gears 6, though rumors continue to circulate about a new mainline entry.
For now, the focus is on celebrating the return of the franchise that helped define a generation of shooters. And while Cliff Bleszinski may not be part of the development, his influence is undeniable every time players take cover, fire the Lancer rifle, or hear the sound of a chainsaw revving up.
Key Takeaways
- Gears of War: Reloaded is a remake of the 2006 original, launching this week.
- For the first time, the series is coming to PlayStation in addition to Xbox and PC.
- Creator Cliff Bleszinski has no involvement but says he’s happy to see his legacy live on.
- He ruled out returning but would consider consulting on the franchise.
- Microsoft and The Coalition are keeping future Gears of War plans under wraps.
