The conclusion to one of the games industry’s most memorable and celebrated sagas, "Gears of War 3," is poised to take the world by storm next spring. At this time next year, fans around the world will experience the epic story finale to the "Gears of War" trilogy when the third installment in one of the biggest franchises in Xbox history arrives in stores worldwide: April 5, 2011 in North America and Asia, April 7 in Japan, and April 8 in Europe and the rest of the world.

The game plunges players into a harrowing tale of hope, survival, and brotherhood that will conclude the current story arc for "Gears of War." With the last human city destroyed and the remaining survivors stranded, time is running out for Marcus and his comrades as they fight to save the human race from the jaws of extinction.

To accompany today’s announcement, Microsoft and Epic Games unveiled "Ashes to Ashes," the first trailer for "Gears of War 3." Created in Unreal Engine 3 by the same team behind the iconic "Gears of War" video spots, the video captures a desperate three-way battle between Delta Squad, the Locust Horde, and the fearsome new Lambent.

Additionally, fans who want to share their excitement on Xbox LIVE will be able to choose from new Avatar items, available on Avatar Marketplace starting April 20, including the new COG armor introduced in "Gears of War 3."