Gearbox CEO Hints at Borderlands 4 Development Following Movie Flop
Following the box office and critical failure of the Borderlands movie, Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford has again alluded to the development of Borderlands 4. This subtle confirmation of the project's ongoing progress comes as a response to fan enthusiasm, which Pitchford noted surpasses the reception of the film.
Progress on Borderlands 4 Confirmed (Sort Of)
The CEO's recent social media post, echoing comments from a previous GamesRadar+ interview, suggests that significant progress is being made on the next installment in the Borderlands franchise. While avoiding a full-blown announcement, Pitchford's comments strongly imply that news regarding Borderlands 4 is imminent.
The development of Borderlands 4 was officially confirmed earlier this year by publisher 2K, following Take-Two Interactive's acquisition of Gearbox Entertainment. The series' immense popularity, with over 83 million units sold across its titles (Borderlands 3 being 2K's fastest-selling title at 19 million copies, and Borderlands 2 its best-selling at over 28 million), underscores the high expectations for the next game.
Movie's Failure Spurs Renewed Focus on Games
Pitchford's comments arrive on the heels of the Borderlands movie's disastrous opening weekend, grossing a mere $4 million against a $115 million budget. The film's critical panning and poor audience reception (a low CinemaScore) have been widely reported, with critics citing a disconnect between the movie's tone and the spirit of the beloved games. The film's failure highlights the inherent difficulties in translating the unique charm of video games to the big screen.
Despite the movie's setback, Gearbox remains committed to delivering a successful Borderlands 4, focusing its efforts on appeasing its core gaming audience. The underwhelming performance of the film serves as a stark reminder of the challenges involved in adapting popular video game franchises, but also potentially fuels the drive for a triumphant return to form with the next game.
