It seems like the new trend from gaming publishers is offering customers future access to content in return for their money right now. EA Games just announced their plans for a season ticket pass which allows gamers early access to some of their sports games and 20% discounts on downloadable content. Rockstar did it with L.A. Noire and Modern Warfare 3 will do it with Call of Duty: Elite. Now, Microsoft is offering Gears of War 3 fans the chance to save 33% by purchasing four upcoming DLC releases in advance with their newly announced Season Pass.

The pass will be available the same day Gears 3 is released on November 20, 2011 and will allow buyers to have access to the game’s first four DLC releases (when they’re officially released) for 2400 Microsoft Points ($30). The first DLC pack is arriving in November, with the other three planned to be released “over the course of the next year.” Season Pass buyers will also receive a bonus DLC pack that will include the Liquid Metal weapon skins.