Microsoft and Epic Games today announced the launch of “Gears of War: Judgment,” 1  the newest instalment of the award-winning series that has become one of the most iconic and popular gaming franchises of this generation. Developed exclusively for Xbox 360, “Gears of War: Judgment” immerses fans in the most riveting and challenging “Gears” game yet, with explosive new multiplayer modes and an epic-scale campaign that takes you back to the immediate aftermath of Emergence Day – the  defining event of the “Gears of War” universe.

  “Our goal for ‘Judgment’ was to deliver an intense experience that gets back to the gritty, visceral action that defined the original ‘Gears of War,’ while also pushing the franchise into some bold, uncharted territory,” said Epic Games Senior Producer Alan Van Slyke.

  “With its unique ‘testimonials’-based story, dynamic combat systems and huge variety of brand-new multiplayer modes, ‘Judgment’ is our most innovative ‘Gears’ title since the original, and offers countless hours of heart-pounding entertainment for anyone who loves enthralling action and gripping, cinematic stories.”

  Set years prior to the events of the previous “Gears of War” trilogy, “Judgment” follows Kilo Squad, a team of battle-hardened warriors comprised of the fearless Damon Baird, Augustus “The Cole Train” Cole and new characters Sofia Hendrick and Garron Paduk , as they attempt to save the besieged city of Halvo Bay from a terrifying new enemy.   Developed using the latest Unreal Engine 3 technology, “Gears of War: Judgment” is the most visually stunning installment in the series yet, and features an exhilarating gameplay experience that captures the true essence of “Gears” combat and is faster-paced and more action-packed than ever before.

  “Judgment” introduces several firsts for the franchise, including a dynamic “Smart Spawn System” that changes enemy types, timing and locations with each encounter, as well as a “Mission Declassification” system that lets players experience more challenging scenarios by uncovering critical information during the course of the campaign. Additionally, “Judgment” features a host of exciting new and classic multiplayer experiences that will keep players engaged for hundreds of hours after they complete the campaign, including competitive modes like OverRun, Domination, Free-for-All and Team Deathmatch, as well as a new cooperative gametype called Survival.

  In partnership with Epic Games, “Judgment” was developed by People Can Fly, the acclaimed studio renowned for their work on visually and technically stunning action games, including “Bulletstorm,” “Painkiller” and “Gears of War” for PC.

  “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to help create a new chapter in such an iconic franchise, and hope fans and new gamers alike will see the dedication both of our studios have put into making this one of the must-have titles of 2013,” said People Can Fly Studio Director Sebastian Wojciechowski.

  Looking to get an early taste of “Judgment” before you buy? Check out the OverRun demo on Xbox LIVE, available worldwide to all Gold members today.

  For updates on “Gears of War: Judgment” and the “Gears” franchise, visit   http://gearsofwar.xbox.com   and follow the Epic team on Twitter and Facebook at   @EpicGames   and   https://www.facebook.com/epicgamesinc .  

  Developed exclusively for Xbox 360 by Epic Games and People Can Fly, “Gears of War: Judgment” delivers a riveting campaign featuring new characters, weapons and enemies, and new multiplayer experiences. The “Gears of War” series is one of the most popular franchises in Xbox history, having sold more than 19 million games worldwide, and spawning New York Times-bestselling novels, toys, collectibles, graphic novels, and more. To learn more about “Gears of War: Judgment” and the “Gears of War” franchise, please visit:  http://gearsofwar.xbox.com .