Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford has once again teased fans about the development of Borderlands 4, following the disappointing release of the Borderlands movie. This latest hint comes as a beacon of hope for fans eagerly awaiting the next installment in the beloved franchise.
Ongoing Development for New Borderlands Game
On a recent Sunday morning, Randy Pitchford took to social media to subtly confirm that Gearbox is hard at work on the next Borderlands game. He expressed his gratitude towards the fans, noting that their enthusiasm for the Borderlands series far outstrips their reception of the recent movie adaptation. Pitchford's comments have left fans buzzing with excitement and anticipation for more details on Borderlands 4.
This tease follows Pitchford's earlier comments in a GamesRadar+ interview, where he hinted at several major projects in development at Gearbox. While he stopped short of an official announcement, he suggested that fans wouldn't have to wait much longer for news on the next Borderlands game.
Earlier this year, the development of Borderlands 4 was officially confirmed by publisher 2K, aligning with Take-Two Interactive's acquisition of Gearbox Entertainment. The Borderlands series, which debuted in 2009, has sold over 83 million units worldwide. Borderlands 3 became 2K's fastest-selling title, moving 19 million copies, while Borderlands 2 remains the company's best-selling game, with over 28 million copies sold since its 2012 release.
Negative Reception of the Borderlands Movie Fuels CEO's Comments
Pitchford's latest remarks on social media were prompted by the significant backlash against the Borderlands movie. Despite being released in over 3,000 theaters, the film earned a mere $4 million during its opening weekend. Even premium formats like Imax couldn't salvage its dismal performance. The movie is projected to struggle to reach $10 million in its opening run, a stark contrast to its hefty $115 million production budget.
The long-awaited film, which began production over three years ago, has been met with scathing reviews and is now considered one of the summer's biggest critical flops. Even the franchise's most dedicated fans have voiced their disappointment, leading to a poor CinemaScore rating. Critics have criticized the movie for being out of touch with its audience, lacking the charm and humor that made the games so beloved. Edgar Ortega, a writer at Loud and Clear Reviews, remarked that the film felt like a misguided attempt to appeal to what studio executives assumed would attract younger audiences, resulting in a lackluster experience.
As Gearbox moves forward with the development of Borderlands 4, the underwhelming reception of the Borderlands movie serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges involved in adapting popular video games to the big screen. Nevertheless, Gearbox remains focused on delivering another hit for its gaming audience, promising an exciting future for the Borderlands franchise.
