Los Angeles, California – After the unveiling of Gears of War: E-Day at the Xbox Games Showcase, fans raised concerns about the direction Microsoft and Gears developer The Coalition were taking, fearing a departure from the stories established in Gears 4 and Gears 5.
Microsoft, however, reassured fans through a post on Xbox Wire that the new E-Day story does not signify the end of the ongoing narratives in the Gears series. The company emphasized that while they respect the stories of Gears 4 and Gears 5, the opportunity to delve into an iconic origin story like E-Day was too compelling to pass up.
Set 14 years before the events of the first Gears of War game, Gears of War: E-Day explores the emergence of the Locust on Emergence Day, showcasing the origins of key characters like Marcus and Dom.
In an interview, The Coalition’s creative director and brand director discussed the decision to pursue a prequel to the series instead of a direct sequel. They expressed pride in Gears 4 and Gears 5 but felt that the E-Day storyline offered a unique and exciting opportunity for storytelling.
Xbox boss Phil Spencer also weighed in on the decision, stating that focusing on an origin story like E-Day allows the team at The Coalition to establish their take on the Gears universe.
While some fans have suggested involving another team in crafting a potential Gears 6 to continue the overarching storyline, Microsoft has not indicated any plans to do so at this time.
With Gears of War: E-Day currently in development, the release date remains unknown. Fans eager for more updates on Microsoft’s upcoming projects can explore the offerings from the Xbox Games Showcase 2024.
As the gaming community eagerly anticipates the next chapter in the Gears of War franchise, the decision to explore E-Day as a prequel demonstrates the creative direction and storytelling depth that The Coalition and Microsoft are committed to delivering.