Microsoft Brings Gears of War Remastered to PlayStation 5 with Cross-Play Support

Microsoft is officially expanding its gaming portfolio beyond Xbox by bringing one of its most celebrated franchises, Gears of War, to the PlayStation 5. The company announced the release of a remastered edition titled Gears of War: Reloaded, set for launch on August 26 for Xbox Series X/S, PC, and PlayStation 5 at a price of $40.

This release marks a significant milestone as Microsoft embraces cross-platform gaming with full cross-play support across Xbox, PlayStation, and PC. Players can squad up and enjoy multiplayer matches with up to eight participants or engage in two-player local and online co-op campaigns without needing a Microsoft account.

The remastered edition includes all content from the original Gears of War: Ultimate Edition, encompassing every post-launch downloadable content (DLC), bonus campaign acts, multiplayer maps, modes, characters, and cosmetics unlocked through progression. Existing owners of the digital Ultimate Edition who purchased before May 5 are eligible for a free upgrade via a digital code.

This move aligns with Microsoft's broader strategy to bring its first-party titles to multiple platforms, enhancing accessibility and player base growth. Earlier in 2024, Microsoft introduced Forza Horizon 5 to PlayStation, and announced plans to extend other titles such as Sea of Thieves, Hi-Fi Rush, and Pentiment to PlayStation and Nintendo Switch platforms. The company also anticipates supporting the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.

Phil Spencer, Microsoft's Gaming CEO, emphasized the shift in gaming culture over the past two decades, highlighting a 'games first, not platform first' philosophy that prioritizes player experience and accessibility over hardware exclusivity.

For developers and gaming studios, this trend underscores the importance of designing games with cross-platform compatibility and scalable multiplayer features. Gears of War: Reloaded exemplifies how remastering classic titles with modern multiplayer capabilities can rejuvenate franchises and expand their reach across diverse gaming communities.

As Microsoft continues to blur platform boundaries, players benefit from greater choice and connectivity, while developers gain opportunities to innovate in cross-play technology and content delivery. This approach not only enhances user engagement but also drives subscription service value, as seen with Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass offering Day 1 access to new releases.