This game is, according to Epic VP Mark Rein, the sole reason the Xbox 360 has 512mb of RAM instead of 256mb. Supposedly this cost Microsoft around $1 billion.
The famous chainsaw gun was almost cut from the game due to creative differences between Epic and Microsoft.
The game takes place on 'Sera', a planet consumed by past and present wars. Spelled backwards it is 'Ares', the Greek god of war.
Rather than give a vague time frame or simply say, "When it's done," when asked about the release date, Epic said that the game would be released on "Emergence Day". Emergence Day is an important event in the game as the day the Locusts emerged and attacked. However, the developers did not tell the press exactly what calendar date Emergence Day fell on until September 2006, when it was finally announced to be on November 7, 2006.
A remake titled Gears of War: Ultimate Edition was released on August 25th, 2015 for the Xbox One. This version features completely redone graphics displayed in 1080p with new character models, textures, and improved lighting. Every cutscene has been recaptured with new animations and cinematography, but all of the original voice-overs are still used. The previously PC exclusive bonus chapters at the start of Act V are now integrated into the campaign. Some gameplay mechanics from the sequels have also been integrated such as 3-D dodge rolling, reviving from cover, and enemy spotting. The multiplayer now renders at 60 frames per second, and features modes from the sequels such as Team Deathmatch and King of the Hill.