Could Gears 6 Be Open-World? What Recent Leaks Tell Us About The Next Installment

Source of the Leak: Nick Baker's Revelation
The latest buzz comes from Nick Baker, a trusted name in the gaming leak community. In a recent episode of the XboxEra Podcast, Baker hinted that Gears 6 is further along in development than people might assume. More importantly, he mentioned a "strong possibility" that the game could feature an open-world environment.

Why an Open-World Gears 6 Matters
The prospect of an open-world Gears game is especially intriguing given the franchise's history. Gears titles have generally followed a linear campaign structure. However, Gears 5 experimented with semi-open world elements, offering players more freedom to explore than ever before. An open-world Gears 6 could signify a groundbreaking shift for the franchise, particularly as it addresses criticism about the series' lack of evolution.

The Unreal Engine 5 Factor
Fueling the open-world speculation is The Coalition's move to Unreal Engine 5. This powerful engine is known for enabling high-quality visuals and expansive, interactive settings. When The Coalition made the switch, rumors swirled about how this could affect the game's environment and design, making an open-world format more feasible.

The Halo Infinite Effect
Another factor that might be influencing The Coalition's decision to go open-world is the recent success of Halo Infinite's open-world map. Given that both are prominent Xbox IPs, it's possible that the positive reception of Halo Infinite's open-world design could be encouraging The Coalition to explore a similar format for Gears 6.

Focus on Gears 6: Canceled Projects and Insider Claims
It's worth noting that The Coalition reportedly canceled two smaller projects to allocate all resources to Gears 6. This move suggests that the studio is fully committed to making the next Gears installment a landmark title. Additional insider reports align with this, stating that the game is shaping up to be impressive.