Mass Effect 1 was different, Microsoft paid for the development. With Gears, they didn't. Epic's deal seemed to be that they would optimize their engine for the 360 before they did the PS3, which they did.

right.

But if Epic did deciede to sell publishing rights for next series of games then yes it could probably go mult-platform.  That still doesn't change the fact that Gears 3 CAN'T.  Your dodgeing the original point which was Gears 3 can't go multiplatform because MS is publishing it which is true. 

They add a few more locusts throw on a "Sigma" to the title then they can do whatever they want...

Mass Effect 1 was different, Microsoft paid for the development. With Gears, they didn't. Epic's deal seemed to be that they would optimize their engine for the 360 before they did the PS3, which they did.

Ahahaha. Okay...Gears of War 2 really vindicated this claim, didn't it?

Now don't get me wrong, Gears of War 1 was awesome. But Gears of War 2 really needed some ironing out.

NG2?MS just a Distributor not Publisher

right.

But if Epic did deciede to sell publishing rights for next series of games then yes it could probably go mult-platform.  That still doesn't change the fact that Gears 3 CAN'T.  Your dodgeing the original point which was Gears 3 can't go multiplatform because MS is publishing it which is true.   Not to mention the amount of work MS put into the franchise as a whole.  I highly doubt the original 3 could ever go multi-plat but maybe the next trilogy can.

Umm.. Microsoft doesn't own any rights to Gears other then Epic is allowing them to publish their titles. And what did Microsoft put in? Advertising like any publisher is supposed to do? Epic really doesn't totally care as that isn't their style. There is nothing at all stopping them bringing the games to the PS3 or PC after Gears 3 is released. Microsoft is basically renting the rights to publish the game, mostly because they know that an exclusive title brings purchasers for their console. 

This is how Epic Games has worked for years. They rent the publishing rights to a game or set of games till the completion of the publishing contract. Afterward all games are free to be published by someone else.  This is why UT99 - 2004 which were all published by Atari, were re-released as the UT Anthology by Midway with Unreal 3. The same will happen with Gears of War as it is exactly how Epic Games does their business. Gears of War = really long timed exclusive.

But cliffyB hates the PS3 controller....