Gears of War Creator: "I Hope Microsoft Doesn't Screw It Up"

This year's Gears of War 4 is the first entry in the shooter series created internally at Microsoft and without the help of its original designer Cliff Bleszinski. Now, Bleszinski has discussed moving on from the series and how he hopes Microsoft will do right by the franchise and its fans.

"Now [the Gears of War franchise] is at Microsoft and I hope they don't screw it up. My fingers are crossed," Bleszinski told VideoGamer.com at a press event for his next game, LawBreakers.

He went on to describe his separation from the Gears of War series as being similar to a break-up.

"It's kind of like breaking up with an ex and wanting to see them get re-married but not to somebody who is better-looking than you," he said, referring to Microsoft.

Microsoft acquired the Gears of War franchise from creator Epic Games in January 2014. Bleszinski exited Epic before that, in October 2012, going on to establish LawBreakers studio Boss Key.

It's not yet clear what Bleszinski thinks of Gears of War 4's gameplay, but he did respond to the emotional first trailer, saying it made him "misty."

Though Bleszinski no longer works on the Gears of War franchise, veteran series producer Rod Fergusson is leading development on the series at new Microsoft studio The Coalition.

The Gears of War 4 release date is set for October 11, but if you buy the $100 Ultimate Edition you can play four days early. Additionally, the game's multiplayer open beta started April 25 and runs through May 1.

If you're more interested in Gears of War 4's campaign, you can check out this gallery of high-res images from the story component.