Microsoft’s flagship title for this holiday season Gears of War 2 is set to be released in just a few days. Retailers are also planning the game to become a smash hit because according to Microsoft, as many as 20,000 stores across the globe are participating in a midnight launch. Meaning, if you’re wondering if your local game store is having a midnight opening — the answer is probably yes.

To promote the game, certain electronic retailers have been chosen to be a “marquee” location and will also be giving away prizes and include ’special guests’, in addition to selling the game. The three cities selected are London, New York and Los Angeles.

After the jump, read exactly which stores have been chosen and what they’ll be giving away as well as who is going to show up. 

* London: GAME at 64-66 Clarence Street, Kingston Upon Thames, KT1 1NP

o “Gears of War” comic book artist Liam Sharp and Microsoft Game Studios staff will be on location to participate in the launch activities and give away “Gears of War 2” merchandise.

* New York: Best Buy, 622 Broadway, New York, NY 10012

o Epic Games’ senior producer Rod Fergusson along with Epic Games team members will interact with the crowd and autograph copies of the game in addition to free “Gears of War 2” merchandise.

* Bellevue: Best Buy, 457 120th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98005

o “Gears of War 2” co-writer Joshua Ortega and Microsoft Game Studios staff will be on location to participate in the launch activities and give away “Gears of War 2” merchandise.

* Los Angeles: GameStop at Universal City Walk, 1000 Universal Studios Blvd, Universal City, CA 91608

o Xbox LIVE’s Major Nelson will MC the event, which will feature special appearances and autograph signings by Cliff Bleszinski of Epic Games. “Gears of War 2” voice actors including John DiMaggio (Marcus Fenix), Lester “Rasta” Speight (Augustus Cole) and Carlos Ferro (Dominic Santiago) will also be in attendance. Additionally, fans will have the unique opportunity to mug with a real life “Delta Squad” – costumed characters from Nightmare Armor Studios will be patrolling the GameStop, and tons of free “Gears of War 2” merchandise will be given away throughout the evening.