The Coalition is aiming to eschew many contemporary monetization strategies for the multiplayer component of Gears of War: E-Day, with developers asserting that nearly all unlockable content will be earnable through gameplay. This approach marks a departure from the prevalent live-service model that often locks desirable cosmetics behind paywalls.
Revealed modes for the upcoming Xbox Series X/S exclusive include established formats like Team Deathmatch and Conquest, alongside a reimagined Horde Siege. This new iteration of Horde mode will see players cooperating with allied teams to complete objectives across maps while fending off enemy assaults, rather than simply surviving increasingly difficult waves.
The developers stated in a blog post that they are revisiting an "old-school inspired approach" where purchasing a game allowed players to unlock customization items through dedicated play. Consequently, nearly every item, from Legendary Character Skins to Epic Weapon Sets and Rare Poses, is intended to be attainable without direct purchase. "That means no battle pass, no tour of duty, no gimmicks, no bullshit," the studio declared.
Unlocking content in Gears of War: E-Day will function through two primary avenues: completing in-game challenges, achievements, or other specific tasks, or by using "Coins," a currency earned by playing matches and leveling up. While a premium store will exist for real-money purchases, the developers maintain that the majority of items can be acquired through gameplay.
Addressing potential concerns about the economy of earning Coins, The Coalition aims to avoid an overly arduous grind. They stated that earning Coins "is not intended to be painstaking or provide the player with a sense of pride and accomplishment." The studio has tuned the Coin earning rate with the principle of making the chase for items fun and indicated a willingness to adjust based on player feedback post-launch. However, a weekly cap will be placed on the amount of Coins players can earn through regular play.
While the long-term success of these promises remains to be seen, the developers' stated commitment to an earnable-through-play model offers an alternative to the prevailing monetization trends in the live-service shooter genre.