Microsoft has confirmed that another of the great Xbox gaming staples is dropping platform exclusivity and is going behind enemy lines on Sony PlayStation.

The original Gears of War game from 2006 is being remastered in resplendent 4K as Gears of War: Reloaded. And PS5 is among the launch platforms.

In a post on Xbox Wire, Microsoft said the native optimisation of the game will offer 120fps frame rates as well as cross-progression and cross-play multiplayer, across all platforms.

Those platforms are Xbox Series X|S, Xbox PC, Xbox Cloud Gaming with Xbox Play Anywhere, PS5 and Steam. It’ll arrive on all platforms on August 25 this year. No Microsoft account is required to play the game on foreign soil, but having one opens up a deeper experience for PS5 and Steam gamers.

“Gears of War: Reloaded is built for shared play — whether you’re teaming up in split-screen or jumping online,” Microsoft says. “The Campaign supports two-player co-op, and Versus Multiplayer allows up to 8 players. With cross-play across all platforms, you and your friends can squad up no matter where you play — no Microsoft account required.

“However, signing in with a Microsoft account unlocks full cross-platform functionality. It enables cross-progression, so your Campaign and multiplayer progress carries across devices. It also allows you to send invites and play with friends across platforms — like Xbox to PlayStation or Steam to Xbox.”

For Xbox gamers feeling miffed about another crown jewel departing the castle, there’s a slight consolation. If they own the original game on digital, they can upgrade for free. Otherwise the game will cost $39.99 SRP.

Opinion

Gears will join Forza Horizon 5 on PS5, while Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is another of the headline-making Xbox games crossing the platform divide. Halo might be next, according to recent online scuttlebutt. Halo on PS5 would be the hell froze over moment of the modern era. Like the time Sonic arrived on Nintendo consoles. Somehow it didn’t feel right, but it’s something that feels like second nature now. Sonic is perhaps more at home on Nintendo consoles than anywhere else.