Gamers eagerly anticipating the previously-announced April launch of Epic's
Gears of War 3 might've been disappointed to learn of Microsoft' "business decision" to delay the launch, but now the company's confirmed an official September 20 launch date for the title.
Those who purchased Epic and People Can Fly's
Bulletstorm's special "Epic Edition" when it launched on February 22 are guaranteed early access to the game's beta when it opens, as promised in
an announcement at the end of 2010.
Microsoft and Epic have stated that the decision to release
Gears 3 in the fall season was a "business decision between partners, and not a quality issue," as executive producer Rod Fergusson
said at the time.
"
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 had said.
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.
The third installment is intended to round out -- and finalize -- a conceived trilogy, with a celebrity voice cast including the likes of hip hop star and actor Ice-T. It pits players against a new evolution in the game's Locust race, who are affected by an infection.
