Gears of War
News, coverage and analysis tracking Gears of War across the outlets.
Latest coverage
"We didn't make E-Day as a reaction to Gears 5": How The Coalition ripped up the Gears of War playbook to…
The Coalition is developing Gears of War: E-Day, a prequel set on Emergence Day, aiming to recapture the spirit of the original trilogy while rebuilding core mechanics in Unreal Engine 5. The game will feature a more focused, linear experience within the city of Kalona, emphasizing dense combat arenas and fluid movement, and is set for release on PC and Xbox Series X in October 2026.
Following Gears of War: E-Day's declaration of Xbox exclusivity, Halo: Campaign Evolved is already climbing PlayStation pre-order charts
Halo: Campaign Evolved is seeing strong pre-order sales on the PlayStation Store, topping charts in several regions despite being an Xbox exclusive IP. This success, alongside other Xbox titles like Forza Horizon 5 and Sea of Thieves appearing on PlayStation, raises questions about Microsoft's console exclusive strategy. The remake is built on Unreal Engine 5 and has reportedly revitalized the original game's content.
Games Inbox: Are the original Halo games still worth playing?
Readers discuss the enduring appeal of older Halo titles, with one praising Halo 3's timeless design and soundtrack. Another reader reflects on the evolution of gaming technology and online infrastructure since the original Xbox era. Concerns are also raised about the current state of game pricing and the potential impact of consumer reluctance to buy games at full price.
Halo: Campaign Evolved Charting Strongly in Pre-Orders on the PlayStation Store
Halo: Campaign Evolved is experiencing strong pre-order numbers on the PlayStation Store, with its Standard Edition topping charts in the UK and showing significant interest in other regions. The game's upcoming launch on July 28th for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC highlights the potential of cross-platform releases and raises questions about the platform strategy for other franchises like Gears of War.
Gears Of War’s “Stay Vertical” Was Inspired By A Real-Life Health Scare
Laura Fryer, a key figure in the development of Gears of War, revealed that a personal health scare inspired the game's memorable line "Stay vertical." She shared how the team's support during her difficult time made the phrase emotionally significant.
Microsoft considered cutting Xbox off entirely and making it easier to sell, report says
A report indicates that Microsoft considered spinning out Xbox as a separate subsidiary or even selling the brand entirely due to declining console sales and plateauing Game Pass figures. This comes amid internal acknowledgments of Xbox's underperformance and expected layoffs. The report suggests these considerations were internal discussions and no specific partners or buyers were identified.
Asha Sharma faces tough decisions with limited room for manoeuvre | Opinion
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma faces significant challenges in turning around the division's financial performance and strategic direction. Despite positive initial messaging and decisions like cutting Game Pass prices, the company must navigate difficult choices regarding its next-generation console, Project Helix, and the future of exclusive titles. With declining revenues and pressure to improve profitability, Sharma's execution of these tough decisions will be critical for Xbox's future.
What We Played – NBA The Run, Rune Dice & 33 Immortals
Several writers share their recent gaming experiences, including NBA 2K Playgrounds, Rune Dice, and 33 Immortals. Other titles mentioned include Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition, Warhammer 40,000: Darktide, God of War, Mortal Shell, and Fallout 2, with discussions on early access and upcoming releases.
Evening Interviews
The Coalition, developer of Gears of War E-Day, explains their decision to create a prequel for the franchise. The studio felt the prequel concept was too compelling to pass up.
Games Inbox: When will the Zelda: Ocarina Of Time remake be shown again?
Readers discuss the Nintendo Switch 2's launch lineup and pricing, with some hoping for a The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake to justify a purchase. Other topics include the definition of 'roguelike' and 'roguelite' games, and potential new business models for consoles, such as installment payments.
Xbox preparing for mass layoffs as Project Helix implied for Christmas 2027
Xbox is reportedly preparing for significant layoffs, potentially affecting around 1,000 employees, as the company faces declining revenue despite substantial investments. This comes as Xbox leadership discusses the high cost of console components and the need for new business models for the upcoming 'Project Helix,' rumored for a Christmas 2027 launch. The company has also seen multiple game cancellations and studio closures in recent years.
Xbox Pulled Halo From State Of Play, It’s Claimed
Xbox is reportedly reconsidering its strategy by reinstating exclusives like Gears of War. This shift may also involve pulling a Halo trailer from a PlayStation event, potentially straining relations between the two companies and sparking speculation.
"We have found ourselves over extended", new Xbox CEO says amid reports of plans for major job cuts
New Xbox CEO Asha Sharma and head of Xbox Game Studios Matt Booty are reportedly planning significant job cuts across the gaming division. Sharma cited declining revenues despite substantial investments and rising component costs as reasons for a business 'reset'. The planned layoffs follow Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard King and come amid reports of internal questioning regarding the company's broad strategy and complex infrastructure.
Sony angry at Xbox for cutting Halo trailer from State of Play says insider
An insider report suggests Sony is angered by Microsoft's decision to pull a Halo trailer from a recent State of Play, indicating a potential shift back to Xbox exclusives. This move, affecting games like Gears Of War: E-Day and potentially Forza Horizon 6, has reportedly strained the relationship between the two companies and surprised many within Xbox.
Xbox speedruns 'we're so back' to 'it's so over' pipeline at a speed previously thought…
Xbox is facing internal contradictions, with new CEO Asha Sharma announcing free consoles for fans while simultaneously warning employees about overspending on studio acquisitions and impending layoffs. The company's "Xbox Reset" initiative highlights a struggle to balance ambitious growth plans with a reported 3% profit margin, leading to a perception of inconsistent strategy and potential job cuts.
Xbox Finally Has Big Exclusives Again, But Gamers Are Still Confused
Xbox is facing confusion regarding its exclusive game strategy, with recent announcements like Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution being console exclusives while other titles remain multiplatform. This shift back towards exclusives, despite years of opening up its games, has led to criticism about inconsistent communication and strategy from Microsoft executives like Asha Sharma and Matthew Ball. The article questions the long-term viability and clarity of this approach, especially concerning future titles and the impact on player trust.
Xbox Planning Major Layoffs Next Month, Could Involve Studio Closures
Xbox is reportedly planning significant layoffs next month, which may include the closure of some studios. Employees were reportedly shocked by the cancellation of Gears of War. The publisher also announced several new games for the PlayStation 5, including State of Decay 3 and Senua.
Quoteworthy
Gears of War creator Cliff Bleszinski believes Xbox is improving its direction, noting that the upcoming 'E-Day' game will not be released on PlayStation 5. He expressed optimism about the current trajectory of the Xbox platform.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 Storms Onto Switch 2 Later This Year
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is confirmed to be launching on the Nintendo Switch 2 later this year. While the visuals have been optimized for the new platform and may not be as crisp as on other systems, the core experience is expected to remain intact. The game is noted for its brutal third-person combat and is seen as a potential alternative for fans looking for a Gears of War-like experience on Nintendo hardware.
There's never been an easier time to boycott Microsoft, the most boring video game publisher in the business
This opinion piece argues that Microsoft's gaming division lacks innovation and momentum, making it an easy target for boycotts. The author criticizes recent game announcements like Halo and Gears of War remakes, and highlights the company's perceived stagnation despite owning numerous studios and franchises. The article suggests that boycotting Microsoft is a small sacrifice given the company's broader business practices and the abundance of alternative games available.
