Microsoft tipped the spring 2016 window for the beta on the pre-order page for Gears of War for the Xbox One. Here’s the description of the package and the beta ticket it contains:
“Experience the original Gears of War rebuilt from the ground up in 1080p, including 60FPS competitive multiplayer with 19 maps and six game modes, and five campaign chapters never released on console. Gears of War: Ultimate Edition is also your ticket to the Gears of War 4 Beta,” the page stated.
Over the weekend Microsoft had to clear up remarks from Rod Fergusson, head of Gear of War studio Coalition Games.
Fergusson’s remarks at the Comic-Con led many to believe Gears of War: Ultimate Edition would be included as a free gift for any Xbox One console. That’s not the case, according to Microsoft.
“At yesterday’s Gears of War panel at San Diego Comic-Con, Rod Fergusson stated that every Xbox One sold starting August 26 would include a copy of Gears of War: Ultimate Edition. To clarify, only the Xbox One Gears of War: Ultimate Edition bundle will include a copy of the game,” the statement read.
The perks include Gears of War: Ultimate Edition, Superstar Cole multiplayer skin and priority access to the Gears of War 4 Beta.
“We’re committed to offering gamers a variety of choices to help them jump into the current generation of gaming this year and are excited to offer the Xbox One Gears of War Edition bundle next month,” the update continued.
Along with inciting undue hype for the Gears remake during Comic-Con, Fergusson also explained why Gears of War: Ultimate Edition only includes one game. Remastering a game is hard work, Fergusson said during the Gears of War panel at Comic Con.
“It took us in the end 16 to 18 months to do the first one, and to try and do three games—how many people would we need to have? It just wasn’t logistically or physically or technically possible,” said Fergusson. “For us it was really about what can we do, what can we focus on.”
Gears of War: Ultimate Edition arrives on the Xbox One on Aug. 25. The series is finally arriving on the PC, though a date for the Ultimate Edition’s arrival on Steam machines is yet to be announced.
