Microsoft Didn't Show Gears of War: E-Day at Xbox Games Showcase 2025, But Promises It's Out Next Year

If you tuned into the Xbox Games Showcase 2025 hoping for a glimpse of Gears of War: E-Day, you may have walked away with more questions than answers. This year’s event took a step back from Microsoft's most iconic franchises, with no new looks at Halo, Forza, or the upcoming Fable reboot.

However, Xbox head Phil Spencer offered some clarity on what’s ahead, confirming that 2026 will be a milestone year for the brand as it celebrates its 25th anniversary. That year will finally see the release of Gears of War: E-Day, along with the next installment in the Forza series.

Set 14 years before the events of the original Gears of War, E-Day serves as a prequel and origin story for fan-favorite characters Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago. The game dives deep into the outbreak of the Locust threat, giving players a fresh perspective on how it all began. John DiMaggio and Carlos Ferro are set to reprise their roles as the voices of Marcus and Dom, bringing continuity and emotional depth to the narrative.

During a previous reveal, Mike Crump, studio head at The Coalition, emphasized the importance of staying true to the franchise's roots. “Gears of War: E-Day is not just our next major game; it's a return to what makes Gears of War games special and authentic,” he stated.

In an exciting development earlier this year, People Can Fly—known for Bulletstorm and Gears of War: Judgment—was announced as a co-developer alongside The Coalition, combining decades of experience to deliver a refined and impactful Gears experience.

The Xbox Games Showcase 2025 also teased a potential return for the Halo franchise, possibly including a remaster of the original title. For full coverage of all announcements made during the June 2025 showcase, [ttpp] offers a detailed breakdown of every reveal and surprise.