Gears of War: E-Day Devs Say Series Is 'Part of Xbox's DNA'

Ever wondered what it feels like to carry a franchise that's practically woven into Xbox's identity? The Coalition does, and they're loving it.

In a chat with Destin Legarie, creative director Matt Searcy opened up about the studio's pride in Gears of War: E-Day. "We feel great because Gears has such a long, storied… It's part of Xbox's DNA. It's woven into it," he said. "At The Coalition, we feel pretty honored to have Gears and be the ones bringing that legacy forward. We know how much it means to people. We know how much it means to us."

That sense of legacy comes after a rough stretch for Xbox, including mass layoffs that had fans worried. But E-Day's positive critical reception has been a bright spot. The prequel, now in advanced access, has been praised for returning to the series' roots while evolving the gameplay. It's also a key piece of Xbox's exclusivity push.

Speaking of exclusivity, that decision didn't come without drama. Rumors swirled that E-Day would launch day one on PC, but reports emerged before Xbox's showcase last June about a last-minute pivot to make it exclusive. The Coalition denied those rumors, even as evidence popped up elsewhere. Regardless, exclusivity is a long-term tactic for Xbox, with inXile's Clockwork Revolution next up in 2027.

Gears of War: E-Day launches worldwide on October 6 for Xbox Series X/S and PC, and it'll be available on Game Pass too. Our review of the campaign praised its great storytelling, non-stop action, and stellar setting. So if you're a Game Pass subscriber, you're in luck.

Post-launch, The Coalition has already confirmed additional content for Horde Siege and Versus, including seasonal updates and cosmetics. They might also bring back classic features like chainsaw dueling and weapons based on fan feedback, though nothing's set in stone yet.

With E-Day just around the corner, it's clear The Coalition is ready to carry the torch. Will you be jumping back into the fight on October 6? Let us know in the comments!