Exciting news for fans of the Gears of War series: Gears of War: Reloaded is set to launch on August 26, and for the first time, it will be available on PS5 simultaneously with Xbox. Dive deeper to discover more about this multiplatform release and the enhancements that await players.
Gears of War: Reloaded Release Date Announced
Multiplatform Release
Historically, Gears of War has been synonymous with Xbox exclusivity, a cornerstone of the Microsoft gaming ecosystem. However, in a groundbreaking move announced via a Twitter (X) post on May 6, Xbox confirmed that Gears of War: Reloaded will break this tradition by launching across all platforms, including PS5, on August 26.
This strategic shift aligns with Xbox's broader initiative to extend its exclusive titles to other platforms, as emphasized by Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer during his January interview with GamerTag Radio. Spencer's commitment to inclusivity was clear when he remarked, "We love our platform and our hardware but we're not going to put walls up where people can engage with the great games our studios are building."
This move may set a precedent for future releases, such as the anticipated Gears of War: E-Day, though Xbox has not yet made any official statements regarding its multiplatform availability. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned for further updates on Xbox's evolving strategy with its exclusive titles.
Faithful Remaster and Natively Optimized
The announcement of Gears of War: Reloaded came as a surprise, especially considering the original game had already been remastered in 2015 with Gears of War: Ultimate Edition. In an Xbox Wire post on May 5, The Coalition’s Studio Head Mike Crump shed light on what players can anticipate from this latest iteration.
Crump highlighted the significance of the upcoming release as the franchise approaches its 20th anniversary in 2026, stating, "As we approach the 20th anniversary of Gears of War in 2026, we’re reflecting on what this franchise means. It’s about the stories we’ve told, the friendships we’ve built, and the unforgettable moments we’ve shared together. With Gears of War: Reloaded, we’re opening that door to more players than ever."
Reloaded promises significant performance enhancements over the 2015 release. While the Ultimate Edition supported 1080p at 30fps in campaign mode and 60fps in multiplayer, Reloaded will offer 4k resolution at 60fps during the campaign and an impressive 120fps in multiplayer. Players can also expect upgraded 4k assets, remastered textures, enhanced post-processing visual effects, and improved shadows and reflections.
The post further detailed, "Players will gain immediate access to all post-launch downloadable content at no additional cost — this includes the bonus Campaign act, all multiplayer maps and modes, and a full roster of classic characters and cosmetics unlockable through progression."
In a generous move, Reloaded will be available as a free upgrade for those who purchased The Ultimate Edition before the announcement. Eligible Xbox account holders will receive a code for the upgrade via direct message before the launch.
Gears of War: Reloaded is slated for release on August 26 and will be priced at $39.99 across Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC. Additionally, it will be accessible on day one through Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass, ensuring a broad and inclusive launch.
