Microsoft to release "Gears" sequel in November

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Microsoft Corp (MSFT.O) will release a sequel to blockbuster "Gears of War" video game in November, giving it another key title to help fend off Sony Corp's PlayStation 3, the game's creator said on Wednesday.

"Gears of War 2" would be released for Microsoft's Xbox 360 in time for the year-end holiday shopping season, Cliff Bleszinski, lead game designer for Gears creator Epic Games, told the Game Developers Conference.

The original "Gears" was released in November 2006 to strong critical acclaim, sold 3 million copies in its first 10 weeks, and boosted sales of Xbox 360 hardware.

(Editing by Maureen Bavdek)