Microsoft has announced a remaster of the 2006 franchise, spawning game Gears of War. entitled Gears of War: Reloaded. The upgraded version of the title will include improved visuals and audio, as well as cross-play and cross-progression functionality. It will also include all of the DLC content that has previously comprised the Ultimate Edition version of the game. It will be available on August 26th for the Xbox, PC, and PlayStation, making it the first time the series has crossed console lines, though it had previously been rumored Gears of War: E-Day will follow suit.
Mike Crump, the studio head on developer The Coalition, stated in the announcement post:
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.
He went on to state that the cross-play functionality will be available across all platforms, both for co-op and versus multiplayer, and that a Microsoft account will not be required to use this function. This being said, signing up with a Microsoft account is required to take full advantage of the cross-platform functionality, as it enables cross-progression across all of the platforms. It also allows you to send invites and play with friends across the places the game is released.
Microsoft has released a full list of improvements players can expect when they return to the hostile world of Gears of War later this year. You can view this list below:
- 4K resolution
- 60 FPS in Campaign
- 120 FPS in Multiplayer
- High Dynamic Range (HDR)
- Dolby Vision & 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos
- 7.1.4 3D Spatial Audio
- Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)
- 4K assets and remastered textures
- Enhanced post-processing visual effects
- Improved shadows and reflections
- Super resolution with improved anti-aliasing
- Zero loading screens during Campaign
Additionally, for those who have already bought a digital version of Gears of War: Ultimate Edition on Xbox or PC ahead of today’s announcement, Reloaded will be a free upgrade. This will be provided via a code on Xbox DM sometime ahead of the official release.
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