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 teased the development of Borderlands 4. This subtle confirmation of the project's progress comes amidst fan disappointment with the film adaptation.
Confirmation of Borderlands 4 Development
Pitchford recently expressed gratitude to fans, highlighting their enduring love for the Borderlands games, which far outweighed the reception of the movie. He further implied that the team is actively developing the next installment, sparking anticipation among fans. This follows a previous statement in a GamesRadar+ interview where he alluded to several significant projects in progress, including the next Borderlands game.
The development of Borderlands 4 was officially confirmed earlier this year by publisher 2K, following Take-Two Interactive's acquisition of Gearbox Entertainment. The Borderlands franchise, launched in 2009, boasts over 83 million units sold, with Borderlands 3 achieving 19 million sales, making it 2K's fastest-selling title. Borderlands 2 remains the company's best-selling game, surpassing 28 million copies sold since 2012.
Movie's Poor Reception Spurs Development Focus
Pitchford's comments followed the movie's considerable negative reception. Despite a wide release in over 3,000 theaters, the film's opening weekend gross was a mere $4 million, falling far short of projections and its $115 million budget. Critics and fans alike expressed disappointment, citing a disconnect from the source material's charm and humor. Reviewers suggested the film misjudged its target audience, resulting in a lackluster product.
The underwhelming performance of the Borderlands film underscores the challenges of adapting beloved video games to the big screen. However, Gearbox remains committed to delivering a successful next installment in the game franchise.