Microsoft has announced a remastered version of the original Gears of War game, titled Gears of War: Reloaded, which will launch on August 26th for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation, and PC. This marks a significant move by Microsoft, as it will be the first time a Gears of War game will be available on a non-Xbox console.

The remastered game will feature 4K resolution, 120 FPS support, and cross-progression and cross-play across all platforms. According to an Xbox Wire blog post, Gears of War: Reloaded will include the full breadth of content from the Gears of War: Ultimate Edition, including the bonus Campaign act, all multiplayer maps and modes, and a full roster of classic characters and cosmetics unlockable through progression.

In addition to the enhanced graphics and features, the game will also support two-player co-op for the campaign and 8-player multiplayer. Furthermore, players who owned Gears of War: Ultimate Edition ahead of Monday's announcement will receive Reloaded as a free upgrade.

This announcement comes on the heels of last year's reveal of a new game in the series, Gears of War: E-Day, which does not yet have a release date. The decision to release a remastered version of the original game on multiple platforms may be seen as a strategic move by Microsoft to expand the franchise's reach and attract new players.

The move to release Gears of War: Reloaded on PlayStation is particularly noteworthy, as it marks a departure from Microsoft's traditional exclusivity strategy for its first-party titles. This shift may indicate a willingness by Microsoft to explore new business models and revenue streams, potentially paving the way for more Xbox exclusives to come to other platforms in the future.

With a release date set for August 26th, fans of the Gears of War franchise can look forward to experiencing the game that started it all in a new and improved way. The $39.99 price point may be seen as a competitive move by Microsoft, especially considering the game's enhanced features and cross-platform play.

As the gaming industry continues to evolve, Microsoft's decision to release Gears of War: Reloaded on multiple platforms may be seen as a significant step towards a more open and inclusive gaming ecosystem. With the game's launch just a few months away, fans and industry observers alike will be watching closely to see how this move impacts the gaming landscape.