Gears of War 3 will be the first and only title in the Gears of War series to get published in Germany without any restrictions whatsoever. In other words, it will not be censored.
According to a report by Eurogamer Germany, the game will be identical to its US counterpart, featuring red blood instead of green blood or mechanical parts.
Those who pick up the game will have to verify being over the age of 18—a restriction not unknown to the US—but the game not have to endure any of the draconian measures that prevent the depiction of human violence.
Previously, both Gears of War 1 and 2 did not get rated in Germany because Microsoft had qualms with the country's strict anti-violence rating system. Had both titles been published, stores would not have been able to stock them on the shelves and anyone intending to purchase the game would have to ask sales clerks directly. Neither game would have been featured on magazine covers.
It's good to see Germany changing its stance on video game violence. Hopefully this is a beginning of a trend and not a one-time fluke.