'Gears of War 4' news: More free DLC for December announced; Microsoft to hold cross-platform multiplayer event this weekend

Microsoft recently announced more free DLC for "Gears of War 4," which are all scheduled to be released mid-December.

According to reports, an update set to be released this month will include two new maps along with new features and tweaks. One of the new maps is called Speyer with a scenery that features what life looked like before the Locust War happened and eliminated one-quarter of the human population. Skilled snipers might like it due to its long sightlines. The second map is called Glory, and it shows a fortress that players can occupy. To attack enemies down below, the map allows players to use mounted turrets.

Starting Dec. 13, the two maps will be added to the game's multiplayer hopper for all players. When Speyer and Glory arrive, the Relic and Gridlock maps will temporarily be removed from the roster. For the uninitiated, it was previously announced that all "Gears of War 4" maps will be free in public playlists on a rotating schedule. Players who want to use maps which are no longer in the rotation can buy a season pass or individually purchase maps.

Season pass owners can get their hands on the two new maps earlier because they will have access via the "Developer" playlist starting on Dec. 6. Extra XP and credit rewards will also be given to those who play during the Dec. 6 to 13 window. More benefits are reportedly being planned for season pass owners before this year ends, but Microsoft has yet to reveal specifics about it.

On another note, Microsoft is giving Xbox One and PC players to duke it out this weekend in the cross-platform trial for "Gears of War 4." Although the game as long supported inter-platform play on its Horde mode and co-op missions, the developer said this upcoming trial could open the possibility of providing permanent support for competitive cross-play.

Developed by The Coalition and published by Microsoft Studios, "Gears of War 4" is available for Xbox One and Microsoft Windows PC.