Rumor Suggests Gears of War Trilogy Collection May Launch Without Multiplayer Features

A new rumor has sparked heated discussions among fans of the Gears of War franchise, suggesting that the long-rumored Gears of War trilogy collection could launch without multiplayer features. While the collection has yet to be officially confirmed by Xbox Game Studios or The Coalition, the speculation surrounding its potential release has already ignited debates about what the package might include—and what it might leave out.

For years, fans have been clamoring for a remastered version of Epic Games’ iconic Gears of War trilogy, which originally debuted on the Xbox 360. The trilogy, consisting of Gears of War (2006), Gears of War 2 (2008), and Gears of War 3 (2011), is widely regarded as a cornerstone of the Xbox ecosystem, known for its gripping campaigns, groundbreaking cover-based gameplay, and robust multiplayer modes. However, recent rumors indicate that the collection may not deliver the full multiplayer experience many fans were hoping for.

The Multiplayer Controversy

In a thread on X (formerly Twitter), journalist Jez Corden—known for his reliable insights into Xbox-related news—claimed that the rumored Gears of War collection may not include multiplayer features. This revelation has disappointed fans who were anticipating a comprehensive revival of the trilogy’s multiplayer modes, akin to Halo: The Master Chief Collection, which successfully bundled campaigns and multiplayer from multiple Halo titles into one package.

According to Corden, the focus of the Gears of War collection will likely be on the campaigns, with co-op gameplay expected to be included. However, it remains unclear whether this co-op functionality will extend to the beloved Horde mode, a fan-favorite feature introduced in Gears of War 2 and expanded in Gears of War 3. If the collection omits multiplayer entirely, it would mark a significant departure from the original games, which were celebrated for their competitive and cooperative multiplayer experiences.

Why Might Multiplayer Be Excluded?

The absence of multiplayer in the rumored collection has led to widespread speculation about the reasoning behind such a decision. One theory is that The Coalition, the studio behind the Gears of War franchise, may want to avoid splitting the player base ahead of the release of Gears of War: E-Day, the upcoming prequel announced in mid-2024. By focusing on the campaigns in the trilogy collection, the studio could ensure that the multiplayer community remains concentrated around E-Day when it launches.

Another possibility is that developing and maintaining multiplayer servers for three remastered games could be resource-intensive, especially if the collection is intended as a way to reintroduce the franchise to a broader audience, including potential PlayStation players. Rumors have suggested that the collection could mark the franchise’s debut on PlayStation 5, a move that would align with Microsoft’s recent strategy of bringing select Xbox exclusives to other platforms.

What Could the Collection Include?

If the rumors are accurate, the Gears of War trilogy collection would likely feature:

• Remastered Campaigns: Enhanced visuals, improved performance, and modernized controls for all three games.
• Co-op Gameplay: The ability to play through the campaigns with friends, a hallmark of the Gears of War experience.
• Potential Horde Mode: While not confirmed, the inclusion of Horde mode would be a major win for fans.
• Cross-Platform Play: If the collection comes to PlayStation 5, cross-platform co-op could be a possibility.

However, the exclusion of competitive multiplayer modes, such as Team Deathmatch and Execution, would be a significant blow to fans who have fond memories of the original games’ online communities.

The Bigger Picture: Gears of War: E-Day

The rumored collection arrives at an interesting time for the franchise. Gears of War: E-Day, a prequel set years before the events of the original game, was announced in 2024 and is expected to explore the origins of fan-favorite characters Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago. While initial speculation suggested a 2025 release, recent reports indicate that E-Day may not arrive until 2026.

If the Gears of War trilogy collection releases in 2025 as rumored, it could serve as a perfect way for both longtime fans and newcomers to revisit—or experience for the first time—the story that set the stage for E-Day. By focusing on the campaigns, the collection could act as a narrative bridge, rekindling interest in the franchise’s rich lore and characters ahead of the prequel’s launch.

Fan Reactions and Expectations

The potential lack of multiplayer in the collection has divided the Gears of War community. While some fans are excited at the prospect of revisiting the trilogy’s iconic campaigns with modern enhancements, others are disappointed by the possibility of missing out on the multiplayer modes that defined the original games. For many, the multiplayer component was a key reason for the franchise’s longevity, and its absence would feel like a missed opportunity to revive the series’ competitive spirit.

Final Thoughts

While the rumored Gears of War trilogy collection remains unconfirmed, the speculation surrounding its features has already sparked passionate discussions among fans. If the rumors are true, the collection’s focus on campaigns over multiplayer could be a double-edged sword: a chance to relive the franchise’s epic story but without the online battles that made it a cultural phenomenon.

As we await official confirmation from Xbox Game Studios or The Coalition, one thing is clear: the Gears of War franchise holds a special place in the hearts of gamers, and any new release—whether it includes multiplayer or not—will be met with both excitement and scrutiny. For now, fans can only hope that the collection, if it exists, will honor the legacy of one of gaming’s most beloved trilogies.