Gears of War 3 has yet to be announced, but with the success of Gears of War 2, it’s almost a given. According to a “trusted US publishing source” of Edge Online, that announcement will come on April 8, followed by a full reveal at E3 and eventually a release in April 2011.

The source said the game could be completed as early as the end of the year, but due to Microsoft’s Halo: Reach and Project Natal launching within that time frame, they want to hold it off.

“Microsoft’s keen to avoid a clash with Halo: Reach and wants Natal to own Christmas. That’s why we won’t be seeing Gears Of War 3 until next year, but expect a major marketing push ahead of its release,” said the source.

Epic Games vice-president Mark Rein has responded to the rumor, simply asking: “You’re kidding, right?”

Is he baffled that we found out or in utter disbelief that anyone believes the rumor? The world may never know – well, until next month, that is.