Since this morning’s announcement that the Gears of War franchise and series producer Rod Fergusson are both now with Microsoft, many have wondered whether former Epic design director Cliff Bleszinski would be lured back to the series. In a new blog post, Bleszinski puts the conversation to rest.

“I’m not going to move to Vancouver and work on it,” Bleszinski writes. “I’m not going to consult on it.” Despite the firm statement, he heaps praise on Fergusson, who will have a “key leadership role” at new Gears studio Black Tusk.

“I don’t think the franchise could be in better hands,” Bleszinski writes. He also notes that Microsoft Studios vice president Phil Spencer went out of his way to make sure Bleszinski knew about the change before it happened. 

As for what Bleszinski will do next, he only offers hope. “Fingers crossed there will be news soon.”

[Source: Cliff Bleszinski]

Our Take
Even though Bleszinski has distanced himself from the Gears of War series, he still remains connected to it in the minds of fans. This well-written post acknowledges fans and offers support to colleagues during the transition. Bleszinski didn’t need to throw his support behind Microsoft and Fergusson, but doing so was a classy move that should put some fans’ minds at ease.