Eight years after departing the video game industry, Gears of War creator Cliff Bleszinski is reportedly considering a full-time return to game development. Bleszinski left the industry in 2018 following the closure of his studio, Boss Key Productions, which released the multiplayer arena shooter LawBreakers and the battle royale game Radical Heights. At the time of his departure, Bleszinski had stated he would never make games again.
In a recent interview with 80 Level, Bleszinski shared that he is now contemplating a comeback. He discussed his life since leaving games, which included writing an autobiography, producing a Tony Award-winning musical, and overcoming a long battle with alcoholism. Following hospitalization in March for issues related to his struggles with alcohol, Bleszinski has since stopped drinking. This period of sobriety has apparently reignited his passion for games and the desire to create them.
"At the end of the day, I want to create characters and worlds," Bleszinski told journalist Brian Crecente. "I want to make stuff that people will cosplay and get tattooed on their bodies." He has already returned to the industry in an advisory capacity, consulting on a horror game titled Soul Walker, a role that seems to have positively influenced his decision to consider a full-time return.
While Bleszinski did not reveal specific details about his potential new project, he did clarify the type of games he does not intend to make. He stated that he will not be developing player-versus-player (PvP) multiplayer games, citing his experiences with Boss Key's previous titles. "Good luck to anyone in that space," he remarked. "I'm more of a fan of PvE these days. Horde mode saved Gears 2, and I believe that space is evergreen because players just want to hop online with friends and shoot some stuff, no frills, no questions asked."
Despite the lack of concrete details, Bleszinski suggested he has an idea he wishes to pursue. He hinted at this by observing "a full arsenal at every turn" when visiting a home improvement store, adding "There's so much more than just chainsaws."
While LawBreakers did not find a wide audience, it was considered an entertaining multiplayer shooter. Radical Heights also showed potential before it could be fully developed. A spiritual successor to Gears of War would likely appeal to players, especially given recent interest in that style of game, as seen with titles like Pragmata. However, any return for Bleszinski is not guaranteed, as a similar urge to make "a little game" in 2020 did not publicly materialize.