Multiplayer design director, Ryan Cleven, is leaving The Coalition after six years. The Gears 5 director has cited “personal issues” for his decision to take an indefinite period of leave. Following the recent reveal of Gridiron, a 5v5 capture the flag game mode, Ryan made the announcement via Twitter.
“I hope you are enjoying Gridiron,” Cleven said. “It’s my favourite Gears experience to date, and it will also be my last with The Coalition. I am taking an extended sabbatical. When I return, it won’t be to Gears.”
Ryan continued, saying: “The last six years have been amazing. Gears 4 and 5 have been the highlight of my development career, but those six years have also taken a toll. Due to personal issues, I can’t continue to work the way that I have, I need time for myself.”
“With the departure of my mentor, Rod Fergusson, it’s given me an opportunity to reevaluate my priorities. While I will forever miss Gears, it’s time to pass the torch.”
As mentioned in his message, Rod Fergusson left The Coalition in February, joining the team at Blizzard on Diablo.
Operation 3: Gridiron Mode is a one-life competition in Gears 5. The aim is to secure a flag and score a touchdown in your opponent’s area. Players need to score 2 points for a touchdown, and 2 for an elimination. Only 1 is needed if you’re holding the flag as time runs out. The first team to reach 13 points wins.
Elsewhere, a new map was added, the jungle environment Pahanu. Canals from Gears 1 has also made a return, and lastly, Arena and Annex are being included also as 2v2 maps. A new Tour Of Duty is set to begin too, bringing new unlockables into the game. For more on Gears 5, check out our review.
