It seems the developing of an upcoming video game adaptation might be slowly grinding its gears towards a halt. The Los Angeles Times is reporting that the development of Gears of War is progressing very slowly.

The site reports that the size and scope of the story along with the budget have been pared back by the studio and also that director Len Wiseman has officially left the project as well. It was said that Wiseman was leaving the project to direct the new film Nocturne. We reported back in November that Wiseman was in talks to direct the film and now the site reveals the deal is official.

It was said that the story has been trimmed down to more of an invasion-style film, as opposed to a lengthy war epic that was said to have cost more than $100 million to make. They are now aiming at a budget far less than that, although a specific budget figure wasn't given. New Line is currently looking for a new writer to rework the original script by Wanted screenwriter Chris Morgan.

As for Wiseman's Nocturne, the site reports that Iron Man writers Mark Fergus and Hawk Ostby are writing the film. Casting hasn't started yet and it was said the title could change as well.