Microsoft acquires Gears of War franchise

Microsoft has acquired the Gears of War franchise from Epic Games (Unreal Engines, Unreal series, Gears of War series, Infinity Blade series) for an undisclosed amount.

Now that the series is owned by Microsoft, the software giant has assigned the young Black Tusk studio to develop the next generation Gears of War game. Naturally it will be an Xbox One exclusive.
Microsoft has assured the public it is at excellent terms with Epic and both companies will continue to work together.

Microsoft has done the very same thing with the Halo series. It bought the franchise from Bungie after the studio was done with its story arc expanded over four FPS games (Halo, Halo 2, Halo 3, Halo Reach). Microsoft now has its own 343 Industries game studio in charge for the new Halo games (Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, Halo 4, Halo 5, Halo: Spartan Assault).
It’s very likely the same happens with Gears of War. Let’s hope the new developer lives up to the brand.