The recent Xbox Games Showcase excited gaming enthusiasts, particularly fans of the iconic Gears of War franchise. One of the biggest announcements of the showcase was the introduction of Gears of War: E-Day. This title promises to delve into the origins of the Locust War and offer a fresh yet nostalgic experience for longtime fans and newcomers to the series.

A Deeper Dive Into the Lore

“E-Day,” short for Emergence Day, marks a pivotal moment in the Gears of War universe. It is the day when the Locust Horde emerged from underground to attack humanity, setting the stage for the epic conflict that has defined the series.

Players will witness how an ill-prepared world responds to the Locust threat as the game unfolds. In E-Day, the Locust are not foes our characters are accustomed to fighting. They are mysterious, formidable, and overwhelming—an unforeseen horror that Marcus, Dom, and the rest of Sera must learn to deal with before it’s too late. According to Searcy, “Locust are the ‘monsters under the bed.’ The game explores the overwhelming impact on the people of Sera as they confront this monstrous army and grapple with how to respond.”

This new game focuses on the origins of Marcus and Dom’s friendship, which originates from Dom’s older brother, Carlos, who died alongside Marcus on the battlefield. Marcus and Carlos’s strong bond brings Marcus and Dom together as they navigate their shared grief and the complex emotions that accompany it.

“We’re telling the origin story of Marcus and Dom and their bond… this is the bond that defines the franchise,” Gears of War: E-Day creative director Matt Searcy said. “They’re not the characters we know from Gears 1 to 3. They don’t have 10 years of fighting the Locust between them. When the game opens, there’s supposed to be peace on Sera, and they’re trying to figure out life without this person they both loved.”

Technological Advancements

The upcoming game Gears of War: E-Day aims to push the boundaries of the Xbox console. The Coalition is harnessing the full power of Unreal Engine 5 to create a game that excels in both gameplay and technology. The leap in technical capabilities includes over 100 times more details for environments and characters compared to Gears 5. Additionally, the game will boast hardware raytraced lighting, reflections, and shadows, as well as next-generation destruction and gore, as well as cutting-edge animation technology. Every character, environment, and animation has been completely rebuilt, showcasing the Gears universe with an unprecedented level of detail and fidelity.

Gears of War: E-Day is set to be a significant addition to the popular franchise. It’s worth noting that E-Day is not a spin-off; it’s a completely new installment in the main series, set earlier in the timeline. The events of the game will not only tell the origin story of two beloved characters but also provide important context that will impact future stories. Everything that occurs in E-Day will shape the future of Gears of War in a positive way.

By delving into the origins of the Locust War, the game promises to enrich our understanding of the Gears universe while delivering the intense, action-packed gameplay that fans love. Whether you’re a seasoned Gears veteran or a newcomer, E-Day is a title to keep an eye on. It’s more than just a game; it’s a return to the foundation of a saga that has enthralled players for years.