This fall, fans of the Borderlands franchise will be treated to the highly anticipated release of Borderlands 4, a game designed for the current console generation. As the launch date approaches, Gearbox Software has introduced a new YouTube series titled “Beyond the Borderlands” to provide insights into the game’s development process. The inaugural episode centers on the creation of memorable vault hunters, key characters within the game.
Art director Adam May emphasized the importance of relatability in developing these characters. He noted, “We want them to be somebody that players and ourselves can relate to.” The team generally uses comic book heroes as inspiration, aiming to craft characters that feel familiar and appealing to players in real life. The creative process involves brainstorming to establish the various fantasy elements that the team wishes to incorporate.
According to lead character designer Nick Thurston, character proposals come from various departments within the company, sometimes leading to innovative combinations of ideas. “The guiding principle of Borderlands, just in general, is just to be badass,” Thurston explained. He highlighted that each character’s abilities and gear must meet the high expectations of the community, making each one not only cool but also enjoyable to play.
While the official price for Borderlands 4 has yet to be disclosed, Gearbox’s CEO Randy Pitchford stirred up some discussion by suggesting that devoted fans would find a way to afford the game if it were priced at $80. He later moderated his comments to clarify his stance.
Scheduled for release on September 12, Borderlands 4 will be available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, with plans for a later port on the Nintendo Switch 2. This new installment holds promise for both returning fans and newcomers, reinforcing the franchise’s dedication to fun gameplay and engaging characters.