The franchise formerly known as Gears of War is getting a modern revamp in 2019 with Gears 5. While The Coalition is attempting to do something unexpected and different with the gameplay of Gears 5, it’s also re-branding the IP by removing the “of War” to create a quicker, punchier title across its product line. It’s not a continuity reboot or anything dramatic (or potentially alienating to longtime fans), but it is an indication that things may be a bit different now.

The Gears of War series has been around since 2006, and the games have sold millions of copies over the years. In 2019, the series is attempting to become bigger than ever before, and the latest title in the Xbox (and PC) exclusive franchise brings big changes to the core concept of Gears, including the title.

It came as a surprise when the latest game in the series was announced as Gears 5, considerably shortening the title from its predecessors. While visiting the offices of The Coalition, Screen Rant’s Rob Keyes reconnected with Rod Fergusson, Studio Head and Creative Director for Gears 5, about how he got the title change he wanted initially with Gears 4, and whether the series would remain shortened to just Gears moving forward:

Screen Rant’s Rob Keyes: For the title of the game, you dropped the “of War,” and that’s something you wanted to do previously. Is that the standard going forward for the main series?

Indeed, Gears 5 follows up on the events of Gears of War 4, which itself is set 25 years after the end of the original Gears of War trilogy. While obviously influenced by the original games, Gears of War 4 marked the start of a whole new phase for the saga. JD is the son of original series protagonist Marcus Fenix, and Gears 5 moves the story even further away from its original hero; while JD and Marcus are still set to appear in Gears 5, the focus this time is on Kait Diaz and Delmont Walker, new characters introduced In Gears of War 4.

I think so. We wanted to make sure that the franchise stayed Gears of War, because we have comic books and a novel and (the) movie and other things. We still wanted to be Gears of War, but I was trying to find a way to just help modernize it. Because, you know, we’re Gears of War: The Next Generation. So, I wanted it to feel a little bit different.

Perhaps, were it not for spin-off titles like Gears Pop and Gears Tactics, the series would still keep the old Gears of War moniker. As it stands, Gears 5 marks the start of a new era for the franchise - and certainly the developer who are making the franchise their own in Gears 5 - but it’s not a reboot or anything so dramatic. After all, most fans of the series have probably dropped the “of War” in common conversation for around a decade by now. More than anything, the new title is a symbolic fresh coat of paint for the long-running series. Gears of War may be known by a new title these days, but Gears 5 is still continuing the same story that began all the way back in 2006.

I tried to do it in Gears 4, with the E3 poster that has the missing JD head and says Gears 4 on it without the “Gears of War” as my test, and then marketing went, “Nah, we’re gonna keep it.” We get to 5, and then I make my case again, and I’m starting to win. Then we started talking about Gears Pop! and Gears Tactics, and it was really clear that as a family it makes more sense. Because having to go Gears of War Pop and Gears of War Tactics is a mouthful. Having Gears 5, Gears Pop, Gears Tactics, all part of the Gears of War family; that felt really good, and that’s how we’re moving forward.

More: Xbox One Exclusive Games Coming in 2019

Gears 5 releases September 10, 2019 for PC and Xbox One. Gears 5 Ultimate Edition releases early on September 6th.