Been wondering why a trip to your favourite comic/toy/games store hasn't had you drowning in Gears merch? Figures, lunchboxes, keyrings, sunglasses, happy meals, licensed children's underwear, you'd think Microsoft would have milked Gears like a rotund cash cow. Well, they're planning to. They've just been a little tardy. It's been announced that NECA have secured a deal to produce "collectible action figures, busts, statues, dioramas and prop replicas", from Gears and from "any possible sequels". Fanboys, collectors, rest easy tonight. Your signature Marcus Fenix chinbeard should be here, along with the rest of the merch, in 2008.

NECA Signs With Epic Games
For Immediate Release
07/25/2007

NECA Signs With Epic Games To Develop and Market 3-D Consumer Products Based on Record Selling Video Game Gears of War

Hillside, New Jersey., July 24, 2007 - NECA has announced that it has entered into a licensing agreement with North Carolina based Epic Games, Inc whereby NECA will be producing a full line of collectible action figures, busts, statues, dioramas and prop replicas from the Gears of War video game and any potential sequels. NECA plans to have a full line of products available in 2008, which will include many of the most popular characters from the game.

Since its debut this past fall, Gears of War has broken sales records on the Microsoft Xbox 360â„¢, selling more than 3 million copies worldwide, and has received numerous awards including Gamespot's "Game of the Year" and the Interactive Achievement Awards' "Overall Game of the Year." The game thrusts players into humankind's epic battle for survival against the Locust Horde, a nightmarish race of creatures that surface from the bowels of the planet. The story unfolds as a ragtag group of soldiers use every last ounce of strength to survive the onslaught from the forces of evil, which begins on the historic Emergence Day.

"Only once in a while does a property come along that is so rich in content, with amazing character designs and groundbreaking achievements in art, music, and story. While having to turn down most properties made available to us, this was an offer we could not refuse. We are thankful that we are able to work with the folks at Epic to bring these characters out of the box and into fans hands," said Joel Weinshanker, President and COO of NECA. "It is indeed a privilege to have our talented artists work with a group of visionaries who get 'it.'"

"NECA has some of the most impressive collectible action figures we've ever seen. We're thrilled that they've chosen to work with us and have great confidence in their ability to satisfy the millions of Gears fans out there by delivering great products." says Mark Rein, VP, Epic Games, Inc.