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 comes amidst fan disappointment with the film adaptation.
Progress on Borderlands 4 Confirmed (Sort Of)
Pitchford recently acknowledged fan enthusiasm for the Borderlands games, contrasting it with the movie's reception. He subtly confirmed ongoing work on the next installment, sparking anticipation among fans. This follows earlier comments suggesting several large-scale projects are underway at Gearbox, hinting at an imminent announcement regarding the next Borderlands title.
The development of Borderlands 4 was officially confirmed earlier this year by publisher 2K, following Take-Two Interactive's acquisition of Gearbox. The Borderlands franchise, launched in 2009, boasts over 83 million units sold, with Borderlands 3 achieving 2K's fastest-selling title status (19 million copies). Borderlands 2 remains their best-selling game, surpassing 28 million copies sold since 2012.
Movie's Poor Reception Underscores Gaming Focus
Pitchford's comments followed significant negative feedback for the Borderlands movie. Despite a wide release, the film's opening weekend gross of only $4 million fell far short of expectations, especially considering its $115 million budget. Projected to fall short of $10 million in its initial run, the movie is considered a major box office and critical disappointment, even among dedicated fans. Critics cite a disconnect with the source material's charm and humor, suggesting a misguided attempt to appeal to a younger demographic.
The underwhelming performance serves as a stark reminder of the challenges in adapting video games to the big screen. However, Gearbox remains focused on delivering a successful next installment in the Borderlands video game franchise for its loyal fanbase.