Apparently Microsoft and Epic Games don't want to see
Gears of War 3 batting cleanup in the spring after this crowded season's wave of gunplay blockbuster hopefuls. Originally slated for an April 5, 2011 launch date, the companies today announced the game will be shifted, in the hope of becoming 2011's fall star.
On the game's official site, the teams stated their aim is for
Gears of War 3 "to be the biggest entertainment launch of 2011." In their view, that goal has a better shot with a fall launch that they hope will position
Gears 3 as "the marquee title for the holiday season."
Lest fans suspect problems with the title, Epic executive producer Rod Fergusson is clear: "I know fans are going to be disappointed with the new release date, but rest assured that this is a business decision between partners, and not a quality issue," he says.
"
Gears 3 was on track to be the most polished
Gears of War game ever when it released in April, and this additional time allows us to polish it that much more before it hits shelves next fall," Fergusson continues.
"Next week, we have a major multiplayer press visit at Epic HQ, and I'm really looking forward to the fans seeing and hearing about
Gears 3 versus multiplayer for the first time," he adds. "Lots more exciting news to come."
Gears of War 2 released in November 2008 to enormous success, with 2 million units sold in its launch weekend. To date, the franchise as a whole has sold over 11 million units worldwide.
