It’s been nearly four years since the release of Gears 5, and anticipation is running high for the next instalment in the iconic third-person shooter franchise. A recent discussion on the XboxEra Podcast by Nick ‘Shpeshal Nick’ Baker suggests that the next chapter might not only be closer to completion than anticipated but could also bring a significant change in gameplay style.
Baker, shedding light on the development status of Gears 6, indicated that the game is “further along than some might think.” But what really caught everyone’s attention was his hint at a “high likelihood” that the game could feature a full open-world environment. “There’s a strong possibility that it may be a full, open-world game,” he stated. This development could align with the general preference among gamers for titles that offer expansive settings and freedom to explore.
This potential shift to open-world isn’t entirely surprising, especially given that Gears 5 already dabbled in semi-open environments. In a landscape where game developers are constantly trying to innovate, the move to open-world could be a natural evolution for the series. More so, Gears 6 is making the switch to Unreal Engine 5, known for facilitating more detailed and expansive in-game environments. This transition is an indicator that the developers are keen on leveraging advanced technology to deliver a richer experience.
It’s worth noting that Gears wouldn’t be the first franchise under the Microsoft umbrella to transition to an open-world model. Halo Infinite, released in November 2021, successfully pivoted its gameplay to embrace an open-world campaign.
With all these details coming together, it seems increasingly likely that Gears 6 could redefine what fans expect from the series. The combination of Unreal Engine 5 and a potential open-world format sets the stage for an entirely new level of engagement. While the Gears franchise has always been known for its action-packed gameplay, adding the element of a larger, more explorable environment could take it to unprecedented heights.
Though Baker’s comments aren’t official confirmations, they offer a glimpse into the exciting possibilities the development team is considering. Given the strong track record of the Gears franchise and the gaming community’s eagerness for a new chapter, it looks like the next instalment could be a game-changer in more ways than one.