Rumor: Gears of War 3 in April 2011

by David Hinkle on Mar 16th 2010 10:01AM

A few things in this life are certain: Oprah will have a new book for you to read every month and you can bet there's a new Gears of War in the works. Edge says a source has put a pin in April 2011 as the release window for the third entry in Epic's series -- and we should expect the first teaser trailer next month, on April 8, with a full-on reveal at E3 in June.

"Microsoft's keen to avoid a clash with Halo: Reach and wants Natal to own Christmas," alleges Edge's source. "That's why we won't be seeing Gears Of War 3 until next year, but expect a major marketing push ahead of its release."

Recently, Epic prez Mike Capps hinted at a major game announcement to be made by the studio during E3. Additionally, EA has teased a "Shooter from Epic" due just before April in Q1 2011.

Source

Tags: e3-2010, epic, epic-games, gears-of-war, gears-of-war-3, Microsoft, q2-2011, release-date, rumor, Xbox-360

Reader Comments (65)

Sometimes you have to take the story for it's worth and enjoy the gameplay.

As much as people hate on MS you have to give them credit for spreading out there exclusive A+ 3rd party line up.

Bout time too, I've been waiting yonks, please be true >:/

Gears of War 3: Biggerer, Betterer, and More Badass.

I can't see this happening.

4 guys 1 up said they would not be surprised if Gears got a summer release. Which I hope means they have actually seen the game up and running. So if GOW3 is that close, then they just stagger the release date. With one taking the September release window and the other taking the November release window like they did last time.

PC version. Do it. For us.

You wish, but I don't think MS will let it happen. Its too precious to their Xbrick.

Probably a smart idea. Honestly, I'm pretty sure Halo would rip Gears a new ass hole sales wise, and there'd be no point in having them go head to head like that. I mean, I guess a Summer 2010 release could work to, but a Spring 2011 release would probably be both smarter and safer in my opinion.

gow is a giant game, if this drops in the middle of the year (more of less) then there must be something absolutely massive releasing around the holiday season next year..

Considering Microsoft has Published Gears and I don't see that changing any time soon I would doubt this would come out in April. Also the previous two have been used has big Christmas games so why go from the big Christmas season to April? Gears is a big franchise that will have no problem selling in a crowded holiday market. I fully expect Gears 3 to be the big Holiday 2011 game. The only reason I can think of for releasing it in April 2011 would be to avoid competing with Modern Warfare 3 but I don't think Gears of War needs to be concerned with that. Also there is no Halo planned currently for 2011 so Microsoft will need a big Holiday game that year and Gears 3 makes perfect sense.

Delta Squad's in your house, bitch!

I thought they said no more Gears this generation? Anyway if they can fix networking issues it would be one of the most addicting and immersive online experiences.

I don't buy not releasing Gears because of Natal-- the two cater to two separate audiences. Natal I consider casual gaming (although I could be mistaken, because I don't know enough about Natal yet). But if Reach were coming out around November/December, then I can see not releasing the two together. But if I'm not mistaken, Reach is coming out in September, which gives plenty of clearance for a big name title to appear in November or December.

I dunno, maybe it's me, but I always equate a Gears release with the Christmas holiday.

Btw, what does EA have to do with Gears 3? Isn't Microsoft the publisher?