Although many fans hoped to see Gears of War: E-Day on show during the Xbox Games Showcase 2025 reveal, that wasn’t what players got to see. Notably, the Xbox Games showcase was quite lacking in major franchises, whether it be Halo or Forza, or even Fable being rebooted. Despite that absence disappointing some, Xbox leadership set the record straight regarding the game’s future.
According to the head of Xbox Phil Spencer, Gears of War: E-Day will now release in 2026 to coincide with the 25th anniversary celebrations of Xbox, the launch lineup may also include Forza’s next entry among other high-profile releases.
A Look Back at the Gears Legacy
Gears of War: E-Day was first revealed during the Xbox Games Showcase 2024. This series prequel takes place fourteen years before the original Gears of War. Therefore diving into the early days of the Locust threat. It also works as an elaborate origin tale for fan favourite characters Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago. Their longtime actors John DiMaggio and Carlos Ferro are set to reprise their roles as both characters.
Mike Crump, the studio director of Coalition, stated that the game is returning to its roots – brutality, storytelling and the feel within the Gears franchise.
A Collaborative Effort for a Bold Future
This time, The Coalition won’t be working alone. The studio behind Bulletstorm and Gears of War: Judgment was confirmed to co-develop E-Day earlier this year. People Can Fly’s involvement was confirmed earlier this year to co-develop E-Day. The involvement of this duo suggests that the game will be fresh yet gritty.
Optimax Gears of War Video game is being produced by The Coalition. It will be a full remake of the first Gears of War. This edition is set to release on 26 August for PC, Xbox Series X/S, and, for the first time in the series, PlayStation 5. More classics from Xbox on the way.
Even though Gears of War: E-Day didn’t show up on the showcase list, some hints were dropped about some revivals from other franchises. Phil Spencer hinted at a return of the Halo series, possibly a remaster of the original Halo game.
As Xbox prepares for its big 2026 year, it is apparent the platform plans to stage franchise comebacks, even if they hadn’t received any trailers as of yet.