20,000 stores worldwide to have Gears 3 midnight launch

As Gears of War 3 prepares to launch next Tuesday worldwide, 20,000 stores will open for midnight launches worldwide, Microsoft's announced.

In the UK, at least 479 stores from GAME and GameStation are opening up next week at the witching hour for the launch of the third and final chapter in Delta Squad's story, with the main launch being at GAME's main flagship store in Oxford Street, London.

The main launch in the US will be the Best Buy Theatre in New York, where GameTrailers TV will air a live episode from there.

"This is by far the biggest, most polished, and most ambitious game we’ve ever made," said Epic design boss Cliff Bleszinski.

"“I’ve been lucky enough to work on some big games throughout my career, but ‘Gears of War 3’ represents a crowning achievement for our team, and we can’t wait to share it with fans next Tuesday.”

Gears of War 3 launches next Tuesday for Xbox 360. Thanks, MCV.