Before developing Gears of War 4, Microsoft’s studio The Coalition reportedly worked on Project Ranger – a cancelled spy-themed action game designed to rival Sony’s Uncharted series.
Microsoft reportedly had its Gears of War studio The Coalition work on a bold new IP intended to rival Sony’s Uncharted series.
The title – known internally as Project Ranger – was teased during E3 2013, and according to DidYouKnowGaming’s Liam Robertson, the game was described as “Uncharted with spies”.
Robertson said: “Microsoft had recognized that the Xbox needed its answer to Sony’s Uncharted series. [It was] a briskly paced third-person shooter big on action set pieces.
“In short, the idea for this game was Uncharted with spies – an action-packed third-person shooter where the player controlled secret agents on high-octane espionage missions in various cities around the world.”
Though Project Ranger remained unannounced publicly, internal development at The Coalition – formerly known as Black Tusk Studios – proceeded until studio leadership reportedly agreed to halt it in order to prioritize Gears of War 4.
Robertson explained: “According to studio manager Mike Crump, they reached a unanimous decision to shut down Project Ranger in favor of taking on Gears of War.
“The move proved divisive when it was disclosed to Black Tusk’s wider team later that week. Whereas some relished the new opportunity ahead of them, others were dismayed over the project’s termination.”
While Ranger never came to fruition, many elements of the game, including the character-driven narrative, cinematic action and world traversal, would supposedly later serve as distant inspirations in subsequent Microsoft and Xbox titles.
Gears of War studio ‘worked on project meant to rival Sony’s Uncharted for Microsoft’
