Gears of War Could Benefit from Adopting Forza Horizon 5’s Approach

Gears of War: E-Day is taking us back to where everything began for the franchise. Over the years, this series has become a cornerstone for Xbox fans, and E-Day promises both excitement and a gripping storyline. Bringing back familiar faces like Marcus and Dom will surely tug at the heartstrings of long-time aficionados, while this prequel also offers a fresh opportunity to captivate a new generation of gamers.

Lately, Microsoft Gaming’s CEO, Phil Spencer, has emphasized that Xbox is pivoting away from exclusivity. The company is now more open to sharing some of its flagship titles across various platforms, which hints at a more adaptable approach for future Xbox releases. The recent news that Forza Horizon 5 will join the PlayStation 5 lineup come spring marks one of the first significant Xbox exclusives to make that leap, suggesting Microsoft’s strategic shift to embrace multiplatform availability. It seems logical that Gears of War: E-Day might follow this path.

Just a couple of years back, the idea of Gears of War gracing a PlayStation console would have been unthinkable. However, Microsoft’s newfound enthusiasm for cross-platform releases has turned that notion on its head. Following the confirmation of Forza Horizon 5’s debut on PS5, rumors have been swirling that both Halo and Gears of War might make their way to Sony’s console. Although still speculative until Microsoft unveils official news, such a move could be groundbreaking. If earlier Gears games land on PS5 before E-Day’s release, it could well be a day-one PS5 launch.

Gears of War: E-Day sets Marcus Fenix as the lead character, plunging players into the narrative that predates the original series by 14 years. This game is not only about serving the fans who’ve been along for the ride but also engaging those who’ve not experienced Gears of War before, particularly die-hard PlayStation enthusiasts. With talk of a possible Gears of War trilogy collection headed to PS5, many new players could explore the saga with E-Day as their starting point.

The upcoming release of Forza Horizon 5 on PS5 is just the tip of the iceberg, paving the way for other Xbox exclusives to potentially follow in its tracks. There’s a buzz of anticipation surrounding which blockbuster titles may join this new wave, with fingers crossed for announcements granting PS5 players access to iconic games like Halo and Gears of War.

This broader approach is a bittersweet shift from Xbox’s long-standing exclusivity, heralding a chance for beloved franchises to reach beyond their traditional audience. It holds the promise of breathing new life into these series, ensuring their continued relevance and appeal to gamers across all platforms. With Phil Spencer leading the charge away from exclusivity, we may soon witness a new era of shared gaming experiences, and releases like Gears of War: E-Day on PS5 could spark a renaissance for the franchise.