[McMullzy]

“Gears of War 3” Midnight Launch Plans Revealed as Fans Prepare for the Arrival of 2011’s Most Anticipated Blockbuster
More than 20,000 midnight launch celebrations to kick off worldwide next week, including a performance by VMA Best New Artist Nominee, Big Sean at the Best Buy Theater in New York’s Times Square



The countdown has begun. Impact is just one week away for the most anticipated blockbuster of 2011, “Gears of War 3.” Launching Sept. 20 worldwide, the fastest pre-selling Xbox exclusive in history is poised to become the year’s biggest game launch to date and one of the top entertainment premieres of 2011.

Hailed by fans and critics as this year’s must-have entertainment experience, “Gears of War 3” is poised to ignite the 2011 holiday season and deliver an epic finale to one of the most celebrated sagas in gaming. Today, Microsoft and Epic announced that around the globe, more than 20,000 retail locations will open their doors at midnight on Sept. 20 to millions of fans eagerly awaiting the game’s highly anticipated release.

“This is by far the biggest, most polished, and most ambitious game we’ve ever made,” said Epic design director Cliff Bleszinski. “I’ve been lucky enough to work on some big games throughout my career, but ‘Gears of War 3’ represents a crowning achievement for our team, and we can’t wait to share it with fans next Tuesday.”

In the U.S., launch celebrations will kick off in New York City at a marquee event at the Best Buy Theater in Times Square, to be broadcast live during a special episode of GameTrailers TV featuring special guest Aisha Tyler, and airing from 11:30 p.m. – 12:01 a.m. local U.S. time on Spike TV. Attendees will be among the first to play “Gears of War 3” before it hits retail shelves at midnight, compete in tournaments for exclusive prizes, meet the game’s developers, and see an exclusive concert in the Best Buy Theater featuring VMA Best New Artist nominee, Big Sean. Fans in the New York area will also be able to participate in a scavenger hunt to secure VIP access to the event and win coveted “Gears of War 3’s” swag, including Limited and Epic editions, and more. Check www.gearsofwar.com later this week for scavenger hunt details.

“Game launches like ‘Gears of War 3’ represent the type of event that happens a couple of times each year that brings out fans in masses to celebrate,” said Chris Homeister, senior vice president and general manager of the home entertainment group at Best Buy. “We’re thrilled to partner with Microsoft to host a launch celebration at the Best Buy Theater in Times Square, and we’re committed to making it an unforgettable event for the fans.”

More than 20,000 retail locations around the world, will mark the launch of “Gears of War 3” with midnight launch events in cities around the globe.

Ireland
· Xtra Vision – 16 stores nationwide
o Giveaways throughout the evening
· Game – 53 Stores nationwide
o Giveaways throughout the evening

United Kingdom:
· GAME Flagship launch at Oxford Street, London
o Giveaways throughout the evening.

· Over 400 GAME and gamestation stores nationwide

Delta Squad Invades Xbox LIVE on Sept. 20 with “Golden Wings Week”

To celebrate the blockbuster’s highly anticipated release, Microsoft is partnering with the US Air Force for “Gears of War 3 Golden Wings Week.” Play any match on Xbox LIVE from Sept. 20-26 to unlock the Golden Lancer and Golden Hammerburst multiplayer weapon skins. In addition, gamers can discover Epic Games' gameplay secrets in brand-new installments of the “Insider Moves” video series, and challenge them on Xbox LIVE in a series of Game with Developer events.

Developed exclusively for Xbox 360, “Gears of War 3” launches worldwide on Sept. 20, 2011 (Japan on Sept. 22), and is available for preorder in three distinct editions – Standard (€69.99), Limited (€84.99) and Epic (€129.99). For additional details on the game, please visit: gearsofwar.xbox.com.