Gearbox CEO Hints at Borderlands 4 After Borderlands Movie Flops

Following the disappointing box office performance of the Borderlands movie, Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford offered another subtle confirmation of the studio's work on Borderlands 4. Read on for details on the game's development and the CEO's recent comments.

Gearbox CEO Acknowledges Borderlands 4 Progress

Development of a New Borderlands Game Continues

On Sunday, Pitchford indirectly confirmed continued development on the next Borderlands game, thanking fans for their continued enthusiasm for the franchise—an enthusiasm he noted surpasses the reception of the recent film adaptation. He assured fans that the team is actively developing the next installment, sparking anticipation for further updates.

This latest hint follows Pitchford's comments in a recent GamesRadar+ interview, where he alluded to several large-scale projects currently underway at Gearbox. While avoiding a formal announcement, he suggested news on the next Borderlands game is imminent.

Earlier this year, publisher 2K officially confirmed Borderlands 4's development, coinciding with Take-Two Interactive's acquisition of Gearbox Entertainment. The Borderlands series, launched in 2009, boasts over 83 million units sold, with Borderlands 3 achieving 2K's fastest-selling title record at 19 million copies. Borderlands 2 remains the company's top-selling game, surpassing 28 million copies sold since 2012.

Borderlands Movie's Poor Reception Prompts CEO's Comments

Pitchford's social media comments followed the significant negative reaction to the Borderlands movie, both critically and commercially. Despite a wide release in over 3,000 theaters, the film's opening weekend grossed a mere $4 million, falling far short of expectations, even with IMAX screenings. Projected opening weekend earnings are well below $10 million, a stark contrast to its $115 million production budget.

The long-awaited film, in production for over three years, received overwhelmingly negative reviews and is now considered one of the summer's biggest critical disappointments. Even dedicated fans expressed their dissatisfaction, leading to a low CinemaScore rating. Critics cited the film's disconnect with its source material, lacking the charm and humor that defined the games. Edgar Ortega of Loud and Clear Reviews highlighted the film's misguided attempt to appeal to a younger demographic, ultimately resulting in a subpar experience.

As Gearbox prepares for its next game release, the underwhelming performance of the Borderlands movie serves as a cautionary tale regarding video game adaptations. However, the studio remains focused on delivering another successful title for its loyal gaming fanbase.