Gears of War creator Cliff Bleszinski has joked that the competitive technique known as wallbouncing developed into an unintended part of the series’ culture, comparing it with the furry fanbase associated with his earlier platformer Jazz Jackrabbit. He said neither outcome was intended or desired, but both became significant ways in which players engaged with his games.

Wallbouncing involves rapidly moving between cover positions to evade opponents and gain an advantage, and has long divided Gears players over whether it improves or harms competitive play. Bleszinski’s comparison referred to Jazz Jackrabbit, his 1990s game starring an anthropomorphic rabbit, which later gained a following within furry fandom.