Gearbox CEO Hints at Borderlands 4 After Borderlands Movie Flops
Following the box office bomb that was the Borderlands movie, Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford has again teased the development of Borderlands 4. Read on for details on the game's progress and the CEO's recent comments.
Gearbox CEO Offers Another Glimpse at Borderlands 4 Development
Progress on the Next Borderlands Game Continues
This past Sunday, Pitchford subtly confirmed ongoing work on a new Borderlands game, expressing gratitude to fans whose enthusiasm for the games far outweighs the reception of the recent film adaptation. He stated the team is hard at work on the next installment, leaving fans hungry for more information.
This latest tease follows Pitchford's comments last month in a GamesRadar+ interview, where he alluded to several significant projects in the works at Gearbox. While avoiding a formal announcement, he suggested that 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 franchise, launched in 2009, has sold over 83 million units, with Borderlands 3 becoming 2K's fastest-selling title at 19 million copies. Borderlands 2 remains the company's top seller, boasting over 28 million copies sold since 2012.
Poor Borderlands Movie Reception Spurs CEO's Comments
Pitchford's social media remarks followed significant criticism of the Borderlands movie, both critically and commercially. Despite a wide release in over 3,000 theaters, the film grossed a mere $4 million in its opening weekend. Even IMAX screenings couldn't salvage its poor performance. The movie is projected to fall far short of $10 million in its initial run, a stark contrast to its $115 million budget.
The long-delayed film, in production for over three years, received scathing reviews and is now considered one of the summer's biggest critical failures. Even dedicated Borderlands fans expressed disappointment, reflected in its low CinemaScore rating. Critics cited the film's disconnect with its audience, lacking the charm and humor that defined the games. Edgar Ortega of Loud and Clear Reviews noted the film's misguided attempt to appeal to younger viewers, resulting in a lackluster final product.
As Gearbox prepares for its next game, the underwhelming movie serves as a cautionary tale about adapting beloved video games to the big screen. However, the studio remains focused on delivering another successful title for its gaming fanbase.
