Gears of War

A tactical third-person shooter video game series created by Epic Games, debuting with the 2006 title Gears of War.

Special edition

Action

16

Games

2006–now

Years

8

Platforms

$19.21

Ø CIB

+60.2%

24M change

About

Gears of War is a science fiction military franchise centering on the conflict between humanity and the subterranean Locust Horde. The series began with the 2006 release of Gears of War on the Xbox 360, which saw various physical releases including a Limited Collector's Edition, Platinum Hits, and Classics editions. The game popularized the cover-based shooting mechanic in modern action games.

Developed by Epic Games under the direction of Cliff Bleszinski, the franchise debuted with the landmark release of Gears of War (2006). This initial launch showcased the capabilities of Unreal Engine 3, establishing a dark, gritty aesthetic and introducing signature gameplay mechanics like the "active reload" and the "roadie run."

The massive commercial success of the debut led to numerous specialized physical releases and promotional partnerships. Collectors could acquire the Gears Of War [Limited Collector's Edition] (2006), which featured steelbook packaging and an art book, or seek out the Gears Of War [Bonus Disc] (2006) containing behind-the-scenes media. Bundled console promotions distributed the Gears of War [Not For Resale] (2006) version. To assist players with the game's tactical campaign and multiplayer maps, strategy guides were published alongside the software, including the Gears of War [BradyGames] (2006) guide and the premium Gears of War [BradyGames Limited Edition] (2006) version. Following its sustained sales success, the title was reissued under budget labels as Gears of War [Platinum Hits] (2006) and Gears of War [Classics] (2006), cementing its status as a cornerstone of seventh-generation console gaming.