Gears of War: From Horror Roots to Action Evolution — Art Director Discusses the Series Transformative Journey

The original Gears of War by Epic Games, released in 2006, was more than just a shooter featuring serious, blocky characters, as the series later evolved into. The creators drew inspiration from horror films, and the capabilities of the then-new Unreal Engine 3 allowed the team to craft a cinematic and genuinely frightening experience.

The series’ art director, Jerry O’Flaherty, shared with FRVR that Gears was designed not only for sales but also to showcase the capabilities of Unreal Engine 3 to other developers. The game succeeded in both areas, and the engine became the most popular choice for projects on the Xbox 360.

Jerry O’Flaherty

He noted that the first Gears of War was akin to ’Alien’, whereas the subsequent installments transformed into ‘Aliens’. From its inception, the game was built around the concept of horror: a muted color palette heightened the sense of unease, while its cinematic approach and dark environments created palpable tension.

Jerry O’Flaherty

When O’Flaherty was asked if he was pleased with the direction taken by the new installment Gears of War: E-Day, which brings the series back to its horror roots and the initial emergence of the Locusts, he responded that the game appears to be a very accurate and respectful reimagining of the original’s ideas.