The sixth update for Gears of War 2 is available on Xbox LIVE today. This update introduces the “Social Matches” feature, which lets you jump in and out of games without disruption, even if it’s a Horde match. Your party can join a game already in progress if there’s one that suits your fancy. The update also contains other improvements. Visit http://gearsofwar.xbox.com/tu6.htm for a full list of the changes.

The Social Matches feature is available to anyone who owns all four map packs, now conveniently discounted in the “All Fronts Collection” for 800 Microsoft Points. Individual map packs have also been discounted.

With these new developments, Epic’s decided that it’s the perfect time for a Triple Experience Weekend on Xbox LIVE! Starting Thursday, May 27, and going until Tuesday, June 1, you’ll get three times the experience in any multiplayer mode.

If you’ve been waiting to get into Gears 2, it sounds like a good time to catch up. Besides, you’ve got about ten months between now and the release of Gears of War 3 in April of next year.