Veteran Polish developer People Can Fly is returning to the Gears of War franchise, teaming up with Xbox’s The Coalition to co-develop the next chapter, Gears of War: E-Day. Known for its early involvement in the series back when Epic Games helmed the franchise, the studio’s return feels like a homecoming for fans of the chainsaw-wielding saga.

If you need a quick history lesson, People Can Fly was a key player in the creation of Gears of War 1-3 and led the development of Gears of War: Judgment. So, when CEO Sebastian Wojciechowski calls this collaboration a “privilege” and an opportunity to “build upon the intense, visceral action” the series is famous for, it’s not just corporate fluff – they’ve been here before.

The Dawn of E-Day

First revealed during last year’s Xbox Games Showcase, Gears of War: E-Day promises to take players back to the franchise’s grim beginnings. As an origin story, the game focuses on the Locust invasion through the eyes of fan-favourite protagonist Marcus Fenix. Think of it as Gears meets survival horror – with the chaos and carnage of Emergence Day front and centre. Rumour has it that the game could drop in 2025, but Xbox is keeping that card close to its chest for now.

Reuniting the Dream Team

Mike Crump, studio head at The Coalition, sees the reunion with People Can Fly as a perfect fit. “This is not just our next major game; it’s a return to what makes Gears of War games special,” Crump said, highlighting the Polish studio’s deep roots in the franchise.

People Can Fly’s development director, Guillaume Barry, echoed the sentiment, teasing the team’s ambition to exceed fan expectations. “While we can’t share more just yet, we’re eager to show all the exciting things we’ve been working on,” he said.

Clouds on the Horizon

While the announcement is exciting, it comes amidst tough times for People Can Fly. Last month, the studio revealed it would lay off over 120 employees, citing “external market pressures.” Wojciechowski explained the cuts were tied to scaling back self-publishing efforts and suspending work on an unannounced project. Still, the studio seems determined to channel its remaining energy into delivering an unforgettable experience with E-Day.

With its legacy in Gears of War and a clear passion for the project, People Can Fly’s return could be just the shot in the arm the franchise needs. Now, the question is whether they can stick the landing and recapture the magic of those early Gears days. All eyes are on Emergence Day.