Gears of War Spin-Off Gears Pop Is Shutting Down

Gears Pop, Microsoft's mobile and PC Gears of War spin-off, is shutting down. You'll have until April 26, 2021 to enjoy the game's mix of Clash Royale and Gears characters before the servers go offline.

Developed by Fall Guys creators Mediatonic, Gears Pop Was part of a push from Microsoft to diversify the genres its core franchises appeared in. The mobile game was announced alongside Gears Tactics in 2018--a XCOM spin on the Gears formula--before launching in 2019.

A post on the game's official website apologized for having to shut down the game so soon, stating that a lot more goes in maintaining a multiplayer title than just keeping the servers online.

"There are a number of things that go into maintaining a game beyond keeping servers active," the post reads. "Addressing issues, developing content, and providing support are critical in keeping a game running. Unfortunately, this is no longer feasible."

Players who have purchased any in-game items in the past 90 days will receive refunds, which will start being processed in November. Until the game goes offline players can continue matching up and earning in-game items, while the post states that that part events will make a return for one last hurrah.