It looks like the start of “season pass fever,” as Microsoft becomes the next to announce that they will be offering a season pass for the upcoming release of Gears of War 3. The 2,400 Microsoft Points (or $30) offering is for the upcoming releases of DLC for Gears of War 3.

The Gears 3 Season Pass which will start being sold on September 20th will give buyers the ability to purchase the DLC content for Gears 3 at discounted rate of at least 33% when compared to buying them individually. In addition, Season Pass holders will also get the exclusive Liquid Metal Weapon Set for free, an exclusive to Season Pass holders.

While we don’t know the entire plan yet for DLC releases for Gears of War 3, we do know that the first release is slated for November, and the Season Pass will cover the first four installments of DLC that can be purchased at a discount. DLC for Gears 3 is apparently planned to be offered during 2012, and perhaps beyond.

While we have heard whispers of additional benefits for being a Gears of War 3 Season Pass holder, we have been unable to confirm that at this time. If there turn out to be additional benefits, that will apparently be a surprise announcement at a later date. Initial reaction by fans is mixed; with some welcoming the idea and others thinking that this is nothing more than an effort to squeeze the players for more money.

Gears of War 3 is still slated for release on September 20th and it will be offered as an exclusive for the Xbox 360 in three different editions. The three editions being offered are the Standard Edition for $60, the Limited Edition for $80, or the Epic Edition for $150. We have been told by some of our retail sources that the Limited Edition is already sold out for pre-order in some store and they are no longer taking orders for the Limited Edition.