A persistent fan theory suggesting that the enhanced gravity on the planet Sera is responsible for the famously muscular physiques of Gears of War characters has been officially debunked by The Coalition, the developers behind the upcoming Gears of War: E-Day.
The theory posited that Sera's unique planetary characteristics, including its two moons and longer day cycle, contributed to a gravitational pull strong enough to compel human bodies to develop extreme muscle mass. This, it was believed, would also explain the franchise's characters' limited jumping abilities.
However, lead creatives on Gears of War: E-Day have stated that this is not the case. "That's the first time I've heard of that," said Aryan Hanbeck, art director for Gears of War: E-Day, when asked about the theory. "We're debunking the gravity."
According to Nicole Fawcette, Gears of War brand director, the explanation for the soldiers' size is far more terrestrial, or rather, Seran: diet. Fawcette mentioned that lore in the books suggests Gears consume approximately 6,000 calories daily, enough to sustain three adult humans. "Sera is an Earth-like planet, but I don't think we've put any hard lore in terms of a gravitational field," Fawcette explained.
Beyond diet, the developers also pointed to the demanding physical requirements of the soldiers' roles. Fawcette noted that the Gears carry the considerable weight of their "giant tank-like armor," which naturally contributes to their imposing stature. Hanbeck added that the characters are intentionally designed to be "larger than life" and to evoke a sense of awe, contributing to the overall mystique of the Gears.
Fan speculation regarding the characters' physiques has long circulated, with discussions on platforms like Reddit often debating whether it's due to gravity, steroids, or a combination of factors. The developers' clarification directly addresses these long-standing theories as Gears of War: E-Day prepares for its release, exploring the initial day of the Locust War on the planet Sera.