Gears of War 3 gets midnight launch at 20,000 stores

by Steven Mostyn - Sep 13 2011, 09:36

Despite some five years having passed since Epic’s original Gears of War took Xbox 360 gamers by storm, retailers are clearly confident that consumer anticipation hasn’t waned for Microsoft’s slightly greying shoot-and-cover franchise.

Indeed, with Gears of War 3 set for a global release next Tuesday, it has been confirmed that more than 20,000 videogame outlets around the world will meet demand by flinging open their doors at midnight on September 20.

“This is by far the biggest, most polished, and most ambitious game we’ve ever made,” enthused Epic Games design director Cliff ‘Cliffy B’ Bleszinski in an official statement.

“I’ve been lucky enough to work on some big games throughout my career, but Gears of War 3 represents a crowning achievement for our team, and we can’t wait to share it with fans next Tuesday,” he added.

By way of added incentive, publisher Microsoft has said gamers who participate in an online multiplayer Gears of War 3 match between September 20 and September 26 will be rewarded with the Golden Lancer and Golden Hammerburst skins.

Gears of War 3, which ends the series’ (current) narrative arch, takes place around 18 months after the finale of Gears of War 2 and sees players once again stepping into the Locust-encrusted boots of gnarly Delta Squad leader Marcus Fenix.

The game has already become the most pre-ordered Xbox 360 exclusive ever.

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