In 2024, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 emerged as one of the year’s standout gaming successes. It dominated the spotlight during a period when fresh, high-quality games were relatively scarce. Building on the foundation laid by its predecessor, Space Marine 2 delivered intense, bug-stomping action that naturally drew comparisons to Gears of War, one of The Coalition’s flagship franchises. Now, with the highly anticipated Gears of War: E-Day on the horizon, it seems the stars might already be aligning in its favor. The unexpected popularity of Space Marine 2 could play a crucial role in boosting E-Day’s prospects, setting it up for success before it even hits shelves.

While these two games come from entirely different franchises—Gears of War from Microsoft and Warhammer 40,000 from Games Workshop—their gameplay and thematic similarities are impossible to ignore. For fans who loved the action-packed chaos of Space Marine 2, Gears of War: E-Day may feel like the next natural step, offering a familiar yet fresh experience.

How Space Marine 2 Could Help Gears of War: E-Day Thrive

Anyone who’s played Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 will notice its uncanny resemblance to Gears of War. Both games are third-person shooters that emphasize gritty, close-quarters combat. Whether it’s unloading heavy firepower into swarms of enemies or delivering crushing melee blows, the gameplay feels satisfyingly brutal. This intense, weighty combat style is a hallmark of both franchises, making them feel like spiritual cousins.

In Gears of War, players take control of hulking soldiers who move with deliberate, impactful motions. Similarly, Space Marine 2 places players in the armor-clad boots of a Space Marine, whose sheer presence on the battlefield is felt with every step and attack. This shared focus on making players feel powerful adds a visceral layer of immersion to both games.

Beyond gameplay mechanics, the themes of camaraderie and teamwork are central to both series. Gears of War has always emphasized squad-based tactics and emotional connections between its characters. The bonds between Marcus Fenix and his squadmates are as important to the narrative as the fight against the Locust Horde. Likewise, Space Marine 2 leans heavily into cooperative gameplay, particularly in its multiplayer mode, and its campaign also highlights the importance of trust and teamwork. Both games thrive on the idea of small teams facing overwhelming odds, whether it’s hordes of Locusts in Gears or Tyranids in Space Marine 2.

The aesthetics of both games further cement their similarities. Space Marine 2 offers a gothic, war-torn vision of the 41st millennium, complete with towering cathedrals and battlefields soaked in the blood of countless wars. Meanwhile, Gears of War delivers a post-apocalyptic world teetering on the brink of collapse, where humanity’s survival is constantly under threat. The gritty, oppressive atmospheres of these games create immersive worlds that feel both grand and deeply personal.

With such significant parallels, it’s not hard to see how Space Marine 2 could have set the stage for Gears of War: E-Day.

Why Gears of War: E-Day Is Poised to Capitalize

Interestingly, while Space Marine 2 might be helping Gears of War now, the influence originally flowed in the opposite direction. The first Gears of War game, released in 2006, set a new standard for third-person shooters, and its DNA can be seen in many action games that followed, including Space Marine. Yet, with the success of Space Marine 2, Gears of War: E-Day finds itself in a unique position to ride the wave of renewed interest in this style of gameplay.

For one, E-Day is perfectly timed. It promises to take players back to one of the most pivotal moments in Gears of War lore: Emergence Day, when the Locust Horde first burst onto the surface and began their war against humanity. By revisiting this crucial event, E-Day serves as an ideal entry point for newcomers, offering a fresh start while still appealing to longtime fans.

Space Marine 2’s success demonstrates a clear appetite for intense, squad-based action games. It’s a sign that audiences are eager for more games in this vein, especially those that combine visceral combat with deep lore and strong character dynamics. This bodes well for Gears of War: E-Day, which can tap into this growing demand and potentially capture a wider audience than any recent entry in the series.

Moreover, Space Marine 2 has done much of the heavy lifting by reintroducing players to the joys of methodical, weighty third-person combat. Those who loved the experience in Space Marine 2 are likely to find similar satisfaction in E-Day. This crossover appeal could be key in helping Gears of War reach new heights, especially if it capitalizes on the buzz created by Space Marine 2.

A Chance to Broaden the Gears of War Audience

The Gears of War franchise has always had a dedicated fanbase, but in recent years, its appeal has become somewhat niche compared to juggernauts like Call of Duty or Fortnite. However, with E-Day, The Coalition has a unique opportunity to broaden the series’ reach. By leveraging the success of Space Marine 2, Gears of War: E-Day could attract a new wave of players who might not have considered jumping into the franchise before.

For fans of Space Marine 2, the similarities between the two games could serve as an easy bridge into the Gears universe. Meanwhile, for Gears veterans, E-Day offers a chance to revisit a crucial chapter in the series’ history, providing both nostalgia and new experiences.

Ultimately, Gears of War: E-Day stands on the shoulders of giants. Its predecessors in the Gears series laid the groundwork for its gameplay and storytelling, while Space Marine 2 has rekindled excitement for this style of game. If The Coalition plays its cards right, E-Day could mark a significant turning point for the franchise, bringing in fresh blood while satisfying longtime fans.

As the gaming world eagerly awaits the launch of Gears of War: E-Day, one thing is clear: the path to success may have already been paved, thanks in no small part to the groundwork laid by Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2.