Confirmation finally has come to light in the gaming world regarding the much-talked-about Project Maverick. People Can Fly, the developer behind such cult classics as Bulletstorm and more recent offerings like Outriders, has officially announced that Project Maverick is, probably unsurprisingly, actually gearing up for a new Gears of War project called Gears of War: E-day. The revelation is an update to the “about us” section of the studio’s investor website, which confirms earlier reports that People Can Fly and The Coalition were in cahoots on a new entry in the very popular franchise for Xbox.
Development & Gameplay
Project Maverick appeared for the very first time in the leaked reports during June 2023. It said that the “AAA game” is totally funded by Microsoft with an estimated cost of no less than $30 million USD but less than USD 50 million, and that it will revolve around some existing Xbox property. It took time and speculation before the recent announcement could finally confirm the ties considered obvious between the title and the Gears of War universe.
However, it’s not the first time collaboration for People Can Fly and the Gears of War franchise. The studio already did the PC port of the first Gears of War. It also co-developed Gears of War: Judgment with Epic Games. They have a track record with the IP and are known for designing very innovative and action-heavy first-person shooters like Bulletstorm with its unique “skillshot” system. Thus, their involvement goes hand in hand with Gears of War: E-Day.
A Big Investment
Project Maverick isn’t completely new since some expected it to be a different intellectual property of People Can Fly. However, the fact that it’s still working on a project and a title so significant within the already established universe of Gears of War still makes it very clear that it is a heavy undertaking. The earmarked budget of $30–50 million USD for Gears of War: E-Day highlights the scale and ambition behind the project.
This substantial investment strongly indicates that People Can Fly is not just an auxiliary contributor but a major creative and technical partner in the game’s development. The funding range suggests a full-fledged AAA production, complete with high-end graphics, cinematic storytelling, and cutting-edge gameplay mechanics.
Given People Can Fly’s history of innovative shooter design, such as Bulletstorm and Outriders, the financial backing likely supports both their creative freedom and technical execution, ensuring the title aligns with the high standards of the Gears franchise.
Other Initiatives
The revelation of Project Maverick as Gears of War: E-Day is simply one among the various projects People Can Fly currently engages in. Their investor website lists a total of seven projects, including Gemini, in partnership with Square Enix, Echo for Krafton, self-published titles Bifrost and Victoria (Lost Rift), a VR technology project called Project Bison, and Green Hell VR developed by Incuvo, their subsidiary.
Incuvo, a subsidiary of People Can Fly, was tasked with developing the VR port of Bulletstorm, a title known for its over-the-top action and unique skillshot system. However, the transition to virtual reality didn’t go as smoothly as hoped. Critics and fans alike cited performance issues, awkward controls, and a lack of polish, leading to an overall negative reception.
This has raised concerns among some fans now that People Can Fly is co-developing Gears of War: E-Day. While their pedigree in action shooters is solid, the hope is that lessons from Bulletstorm VR will ensure E-Day delivers a much better experience.
