XBOX Leadership Says Exclusivity For Gears Of War: E-Day Was Decided A Month Before

Back in 2024 following the announcement of Gears of War: E-Day, it was apparent that a return of form is coming for the series. It felt fresh, raw, and much needed. Then came the announcement from The Coalition on the direction of the game. While welcomed in Gears 5, the new prequel will return to its roots with a linear story mechanism this time around.

Now this weekend, it was revealed that Gears of War: E-Day is coming in October later this fall. What’s more, the title will be a console exclusive. Microsoft clarified the decision will illustrate your investment to the platform does offer a “reliable pipeline” of titles. The other title coming exclusively to XBOX in 2027 is InXile Entertainment’s Clockwork Revolution.

What does leave some confused is the decision. Just last year, Gears of War: Reloaded – a remake of the classic 2006 release – shipped on PlayStation 5. But the game that precedes the events of that game will not. On the XBOX Official Podcast, it displayed an image of the game which contained the ‘PS5’ logo. According to XBOX vice president Aaron Greenberg, the decision was not made moments before the show that many presumed.

Further in the thread, Greenberg elaborated that “a lot has changed since Asha came into role 107 days ago.” Adding, “We are moving fast and it’s frankly pretty energizing inside the hallways here. I was made aware of these exclusives roughly a month in advance.” What is even more confusing in this messaging is that other individuals in the pipeline like deal promotion pages such as Wario64 was provided box art for Gears of War: E-Day for that platform still.

Looking ahead for Gears of War: E-Day, a beta for the game’s multiplayer will be held later this year. Rectify Gaming walks through what you need in order to be eligible for the playtest being held later on. You can read the full report by heading here.

Are you surprised by this development regarding Gears of War: E-Day?

Gears of War: E-Day comes out on October 6, 2026 for XBOX Series X|S & PC.