Gears of War 3 will have a "season pass" for its downloadable content -- a strategem we're seeing used by Noir-ly everyone with a long term, post-launch DLC plan. Microsoft claims the 2400 Microsoft point ($30) season pass will "guarantee a 33 percent discount on the game add-ons." It'll be available on September 20 and include an "exclusive" Liquid Metal Weapon Set.

The season pass will cover the "first four" installments of DLC, which will be released over the next year, with the first planned for November. No word yet if there will be more beyond that to squeeze from, er, generously discount to Gears fans.

Gears of War 3 launches in Standard ($60), Limited ($80) and Epic ($150) editions on September 20.