Microsoft's Xbox has released "E-Day", a prequel to the popular Gears of War series, exclusively for its console. This decision marks a shift from the company's recent strategy of releasing flagship titles on rival platforms like PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch.
The game, which tells the origin story of the conflict with The Locust, has been well-received by critics and players. However, its exclusivity is seen as a significant test for Xbox's new direction, particularly as console prices are reportedly higher than ever.
Xbox boss Asha Sharma, who assumed her role in June, announced that Gears of War would remain a "console exclusive", though a PC version is also available. This strategy has been questioned by critics, who argue that keeping the game off other platforms could hinder its ability to recoup its estimated development cost, which is in the hundreds of millions.
The Coalition, the developer of E-Day, stated that Gears has been an exclusive franchise for 20 years and is deeply entwined with the Xbox brand. Studio head Mike Crump said the series "carries the banner" for the console and provides a "reason to be in the Xbox ecosystem."
The release of E-Day comes amidst wider restructuring at Xbox, including 3,200 job losses across Xbox-owned studios during the current financial year, as announced by Sharma in July. The Coalition has largely avoided these cuts, though one of E-Day's narrative directors was reportedly let go last month.