Epic has revealed that the next instalment in the Gears of War franchise will be hitting stores on March 19th, 2013.

Set 14 years before the original Gears of War, the game will star long-standing team-mates Cole and Baird in 'Kilo Squad', a unit charged with treason and cowardice for unknown reasons. It will be developed by Bulletstorm's People Can Fly and is set to feature new online modes and multiplayer classes.

This early release date is an interesting development; as of yet, it leaves Microsoft's first party line-up for fall 2013 empty. Could this clear playing field indicate that we'll be seeing the next generation of Xbox around then? Ring in with your musings in the comments section below, or catch us on Twitter @GamingExcel.