It does make you wonder if Microsoft feels that whatever they pay Epic for Gears exclusivity isn't worth it for an IP they don't own or that they're worried Epic will take Gears multi-plat anyway. Seriously, you'd think that it would take a LOT to convince Epic to keep Gears exclusive, as they could make so much money if they opened it up.
As far as Black Tusk having a lot less employees, they might not need that many at this point in the development process. I also wonder if Microsoft will try a different genre, maybe try to shift their heavily shooter-centric fanbase a little. Another FPS just seems like it would be overkill. Still, you figure Halo can't go on forever without creating market apathy. Perhaps they're looking into an eventual replacement franchise? I just hope it's not another Military shooter.
