Gears Of War creator Epic Games has acquired a majority interest in People Can Fly, the Polish development studio behind Painkiller.

MCV sister site Develop reports that the two companies first developed a relationship when People Can Fly showed Epic prototypes of an Unreal Engine 3-based multi-platform title they were working on, the results of which Epic were so impressed with that they hired People Can Fly to help with the PC version of Gears of War. The two companies are also working together on a new IP, which is being shown to publishers at this year's Leipzig Games Convention.

Dr. Michael Capps, president of Epic Games, said: “Working with this team of guys who love making over-the-top shooters was a blast, and we didn’t want it to end - and their work was outstanding.

The multiplayer levels they created for Gears PC look as good or better than the original. How could we not jump at the opportunity to work together on a long-term basis?”.

“We are very excited to be working with Epic Games” added Adrian Chmielarz, creative director and co-owner of People Can Fly.

“To be able to work with the best technology company in the business and collaborate on making amazing fantastic games is an offer you just can’t refuse. Making games is hard work but it is also great fun. Working with Epic reduces the stress of being an independent developer and lets us focus even more on fun side of the business.”