Xbox boss Phil Spencer was hoping to bring back the horror elements to its Gears of War franchise. These elements were originally conceptualized under original series creator Cliff Bleszinski (aka CliffyB).
While the Gears of War franchise has since been acquired by Xbox Game Studios, the games have largely had more of a different take beginning with Gears 4. This has left fans wondering if the franchise has lost something in the process of transitioning to full ownership by Microsoft's gaming division by going in an entirely different creative direction and away from what made the series into such a massive success for Xbox.
Nonetheless, Spencer has expressed key interest in returning the series to its roots, even all the way back in 2014. CliffyB even suggested as much in a recent episode of the Xbox Era podcast, noting when the hosts suggested that Gears of War should bring back the horror elements, he was in complete agreement that these elements should be revisited in future games, regardless of any creative challenges that may arise (such as with the ending of Gears of War 5). Per Bleszinski's comments:
"That was Phil Spencer's main note when Microsoft acquired Gears of War IP. When he was talking to Rod Ferguson he said let's get back to the horror stuff."
It stands to reason that Gears 4 and Gears 5 may have already been conceptually finished by the time these considerations were discussed and that the creative direction was already determined by then, although it also stands to reason that it may never be known as to exactly what the answer to that question is either. However, that doesn't mean that Spencer hasn't given it thought for any future installments of the Gears of War franchise compared to past entries.
Fans of the Gears of War games, or any game franchise in general, can be a very picky bunch when something is lost in such a major transition (or even in translation) and the circumstances here are no different. The transition pertinent to the ownership of Halo moving to Xbox from Bungie is a prime example of its own, with even the recent creative and support matters with Halo Infinite that have put a damper on the game's ongoing prospects despite initially having a ten-year service plan. Some of the changes to the lore as they exist in the Halo TV series haven't been as well received either, with Spencer heavily considering if the show could use some extra influence from other video game adaptations.
Then again, this is a combination of wish list material and fan expectations that have been lost over time – and also remains to be seen if it will actually be revisited at all in future Gears of War installments – so take it with a grain of salt until it actually happens. Still, it's nice to know that Phil Spencer is in tune to the concerns of the Gears of War community and has expressed support for revisiting the elements that made the original Gears of War games so special.
Source: Xbox Era