Borderlands 4 Teased on the Coattails of Disastrous Movie Release

Gearbox CEO Hints at Borderlands 4 Development After Movie Flop

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

Gearbox CEO's Encouraging Words on Borderlands 4

Borderlands 4 Development Confirmed

On Sunday, Pitchford again alluded to the next Borderlands installment, reassuring fans that development is progressing. He acknowledged the significant fan enthusiasm for the game series, contrasting it with the movie's poor reception. His comments have fueled anticipation for further updates.

This recent hint follows an earlier statement in a GamesRadar+ interview where Pitchford revealed Gearbox is working on several major projects, hinting at an imminent announcement regarding the next Borderlands title.

The development of Borderlands 4 was officially confirmed earlier this year by publisher 2K, coinciding with Take-Two Interactive's acquisition of Gearbox Entertainment. The Borderlands franchise, launched in 2009, boasts over 83 million units sold, with Borderlands 3 achieving the status of 2K's fastest-selling title (19 million copies). Borderlands 2 remains the company's top seller, having surpassed 28 million copies sold since 2012.

Movie's Failure Underscores Focus on the Game

Pitchford's social media comments came on the heels of the Borderlands movie's critical and commercial failure. Despite a wide release in over 3,000 theaters, including IMAX, the film grossed a mere $4 million in its opening weekend, far below expectations. With a $115 million budget, the movie's projected opening run of under $10 million is considered a major setback.

The film, delayed for several years, has received overwhelmingly negative reviews, solidifying its place as one of the summer's biggest box office disappointments. Even dedicated fans expressed disappointment, leading to a low CinemaScore. Critics have cited a disconnect with the source material, lacking the humor and charm that defined the games. As noted by Edgar Ortega of Loud and Clear Reviews, the film seemed to misinterpret what would appeal to a younger audience, resulting in a lackluster product.

The Borderlands movie's poor reception serves as a stark reminder of the challenges in adapting video games to the big screen. However, Gearbox remains committed to delivering a successful Borderlands 4 to its loyal fanbase.