Gears of War video game fanatics will soon be able to clamp on life-size armor, helmets and brandish a simulated laser rifle based on Epic Games’ popular creations.
Epic is licensing rights to make 1:1 scale replicas of weapons, armor and other equipment from the multi-million copy game to TriForce Sales. Financial terms weren’t disclosed.
The first samples designed to mimic hero Marcus Fenix’s attire and that of his fellow Delta Squad warriors will go on display at a Wizard World, a major comics and entertainment convention in Philadelphia on Saturday.
“We have known these guys for a long time and we love their work,” said Epic spokesperson Dana Cowley.
The gear is being created by Nightmare Armor Studios, which is located in Atlanta. In fact, Gears fans at the company drove to Cary last year to show off hand-made replicas to the Epic developers. Sid Garrand, a widely known sculptor and creator of equipment for Nightmare, will lead the Gears project.
“Sid Garrand’s team came to our offices wearing the armor one day, and everyone here at Epic was blown away,” recalled Epic President Michael Capps. “The level of detail in these pieces is incredible, and it’s so rewarding to see our work come to life.”
Advance orders will be taken starting in July, but how pricey it will be is not yet known.
“We are still working on price points so I don’t have any for you yet,” a spokesperson for TriForce said.
The equipment deal is just the latest in a series of agreements that Epic has executed to establish an entertainment franchise around Gears. A sequel is in production; Peter Jackson – the Lord of the Rings director – is on board to do a film; smaller-scale toys and action figures are in the works; books and graphic novels are on the way.
“I have been a huge fan of Gears of War since its release in November of 2006,” said Garrand in a statement “In my spare time I sculpted a full set of armor for myself, which I enjoyed showing off at conventions. When the fans saw it they all asked me how they could get it. I was thrilled when the team from Epic saw it, and liked it, which allowed us to move to the point to where we are today. It all truly began as a labor of love.”
