"Gears of War 2" with new multiplayer matchmaking

Mount up and jump back into “Gears of War 2” with new multiplayer matchmaking features in Title Update 6

Social matchmaking update accompanies price drop of “All Fronts Collection” content pack along with Triple Experience Weekend kicking off on Xbox LIVE

Auckland, New Zealand – May 27, 2010 Starting today, Title Update 6 gives a new reason for “Gears of War” fans to load up their Lancers and rev their chainsaws. The title update, available on Xbox LIVE*, introduces a new public multiplayer match feature called Social Matches that enables you to jump in or out of games without disruptions, including Horde mode matches. Social matchmaking also lets your party join a match already in progress or start a new match if there are no suitable matches to be found.

Social matching is open to anyone who owns all four downloadable map packs, available as a single download by purchasing the “All Fronts Collection,” now at the new discounted price of 800 Microsoft Points or bundled free with the “Gears of War 2: Game of the Year Edition” for $59.95 RRP**. Those looking for specific map packs to round out their collection will also find individual map packs on Xbox LIVE Marketplace at a new lower price as well.

To celebrate the new title update, Epic and Microsoft have also announced a Triple Experience Weekend on Xbox LIVE. Starting Friday, May 28, at 1:00 AM NZT, fans can earn triple experience in any “Gears of War 2” multiplayer mode on Xbox LIVE. The Triple XP weekend will run until Wednesday, June 2 at 1:00 AM NZT.

In addition, the title update includes a host of general fixes, improvements, and balancing changes which are available to all players. Visit http://gearsofwar.xbox.com/tu6.htm for a complete list of Title Update 6 changes.
With the improvements in Title Update 6 and the wide availability of the “All Fronts Collection,” players have plenty of time to hone their skills before the launch of “Gears of War 3” in April 2011. Published by Microsoft Game Studios and developed by Epic Games, the “Gears of War” franchise has won more than 30 “Game of the Year” awards, sold more than 12 million copies worldwide and redefined the third-person shooter genre for this console generation. The “Gears of War” series is exclusive to Xbox 360 and its riveting multiplayer action makes it one of the most popular titles on Xbox LIVE. More information can be found at www.gearsofwar.com.

“Gears of War 2: Game of the Year Edition” is rated R18.

Epic, Epic Games, Gears of War, Gears of War 3, Marcus Fenix, Unreal, and Unreal Engine are trademarks or registered trademarks of Epic Games, Inc. in the United States of America and elsewhere.

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* Xbox LIVE Gold Membership and internet connection required for online multiplayer. In New Zealand, only adult accounts (18+) can download or stream content over Xbox LIVE marketplace. Download charges may apply as set by your ISP.
** Recommended retail price. The price you pay will be determined by your retailer. From participating retailers.

ENDS

About Xbox 360
The powerful Xbox 360 video game and entertainment experience delivers amazing games, the next generation of the premier Xbox LIVE online social network, and unique digital entertainment experiences that revolve around gamers. Xbox 360 now boasts a catalogue of over 500 high-definition games and has sold more than 40 million consoles worldwide. More information can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/xbox360.

About Xbox LIVE
Xbox LIVE is the first and most comprehensive unified online entertainment network seamlessly integrated throughout the entire console experience, making it easy for people to find the friends, games and entertainment they want from the moment they power on their Xbox 360 system. Xbox LIVE connects millions of members across 26 countries to enjoy hundreds of multiplayer games, downloadable games via Xbox LIVE Arcade, free and premium playable game demos and movies in the as well as new game levels, characters and vehicles for all their favourite retail games. More information can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/en-nz/live.

About Microsoft
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