Xbox has partnered with Gibson guitars to offer a "one-of-a-kind" free giveaway ahead of the launch of Gears of War: E-Day. The creators of the Les Paul and SG guitars have built four custom handcrafted instruments to celebrate the game's release.
Custom Guitars Designed by Long-Time Gears Artist
Designed, stencilled and hand-painted by long-time Gears artist Luke Preece, the four guitars are the only ones of their kind. Two Les Pauls and two SGs are up for grabs before E-Day drops on October 6.
The two Les Pauls are inspired by franchise hero Marcus Fenix, while his best friend Dominic Santiago is honoured on the SG models. These rare items have been hailed as the "culmination" of a long collaboration between Preece and the Gears of War series and are worth thousands.
Studio Brand Director Comments on Collaboration
Studio Brand Director Nicole Fawcette said the illustrator has been part of the E-Day journey "from the very beginning." She added: "He loves Gears of War as much as we do, and he has a gift for translating the spirit of the franchise into striking art that makes you feel something."
Preece added: "It brought together everything I love – music, metal, guitars, video games, art, and Gears of War. All of those influences found their way into the guitars, so the collaboration felt completely natural."
Guitars to Debut at Gamescom 2026
The guitars will make their public debut during Gamescom 2026 in Cologne, Germany. The two Les Pauls are themed on 'Brutality', embodying the "grit, determination and relentless spirit" that Xbox says has defined Fenix's character.
The two SG models are themed on 'Pathos', celebrating his "unwavering loyalty" and "personal sacrifice" as many long-term Gears fans will remember his bond with his wife, Maria. Fawcette added: "Early on, we considered physically distressing the guitars to make them feel battle-worn. In the end, I'm glad we preserved the beauty of the instruments and allowed the artwork itself to carry the weight and intensity."
Giveaway Details and Entry Rules
Fans can enter the giveaway via Gibson's Instagram page to win one of three custom guitars. Two Les Pauls are up for grabs and one of the SG models is included in the giveaway. Each guitar is valued at £3,000.
Entrants must be aged 18 and over and can only enter the giveaway via Instagram. Only one entry is permitted per person and the competition closes at midnight on October 9.
"We can't wait for fans to see these in-person," says Fawcette. "Each guitar is already a beautiful object, and Luke's hand-painted Gears artwork transforms it into something visually stunning – a genuine work of art that feels cool, heavy, and unmistakably Gears."
Preece added: "Only four guitars were made. Each is numbered and signed, and because they were painted by hand, even the repeated designs are not exact copies. Every instrument is a unique, one-of-one piece."
