It has been nearly five years since Borderlands 3 made its debut, and fans have been eagerly awaiting news about the fourth installment of this popular franchise. With Gearbox now under the ownership of Embracer, there is a sense of anticipation and concern among fans, fearing potential delays or setbacks. However, recent activity on the official Borderlands Twitter account has sparked speculation about an upcoming announcement.
The Borderlands Twitter account recently shared a 'the story so far' video about the first Borderlands game. This video was actually released back in April 2019, shortly before the worldwide gameplay reveal of Borderlands 3 in May. It was later followed by a similar video focusing on Borderlands 2 and its iconic antagonist, Handsome Jack. This pattern suggests that Gearbox may be building up to a third video about Borderlands 3, possibly leading to an announcement about Borderlands 4.
It is already known that Gearbox has been working on the fourth installment of the Borderlands series, but the exact timeline and release date remain a mystery. Speculation suggests that Gearbox might plan a grand reveal or even a release around the same time as the Borderlands movie, set to hit theaters in August. This would create a sense of synergy and excitement among fans across multiple platforms.
When we consider that Borderlands 3 was announced in March 2019 and released just six months later, there is hope among fans that this might be the year for the highly anticipated Borderlands 4. The re-sharing of the old video is seen as a promising sign rather than just a way to fill the void on social media.
Some fans have misinterpreted the ending of the video, which features Handsome Jack, as a hint that the beloved character might return. While nothing is confirmed, it is plausible that Gearbox might bring him back due to his immense popularity and significance in the series. Handsome Jack remains one of the most iconic villains in gaming, and his inclusion could add another layer of excitement to Borderlands 4.
Gearbox finds itself in a unique situation, having been acquired by Embracer Group but still planning to publish Borderlands through their existing partnership with 2K Games. Speaking of Embracer, the company has gained a reputation in the industry for acquiring studios and subsequently laying off employees or canceling projects. There were rumors that Gearbox might be sold to fill a revenue gap after a failed deal, but as of now, no significant changes have occurred.
As for Borderlands 4, it enters the gaming market where the live-service approach has become popular. While Borderlands has had additional content and DLC in the past, it has not fully embraced the traditional seasonal or battle pass models seen in many current games. However, being the original looter shooter, Borderlands is likely to find a dedicated audience for its fourth installment regardless of the format. The challenge will be how its visuals and humor continue to resonate in today's gaming landscape, especially considering that Borderlands 3 received a more mixed reception compared to its predecessor. Time will tell whether these teases will lead to something substantial.
In the meantime, fans eagerly await any further updates regarding Borderlands 4. As the wait continues, make sure to follow the official Borderlands accounts on Twitter, Threads, YouTube, and Instagram for the latest news. And if you're looking for some captivating sci-fi reads, don't forget to check out the Herokiller series and The Earthborn Trilogy by the author.
Exciting times are on the horizon for Borderlands fans, so stay tuned for more information and get ready to explore the chaotic world of Pandora once again.