Borderlands 3recently received a new DLC,Director’s Cut, which makes rumored leaks concerning an upcomingBorderlandstitle slightly questionable. The rumors alleged that Gearbox Software was set to become co-developer of an all-newBorderlandsspin-off that would bring “something different” to the table. Exactly what this spin-off could be is unknown as details were fairly scarce. Nonetheless,Borderlandsfans were left excited by the rumors, as speculation around whether this title would be closer toTales From The Borderlands, orThe Pre-Sequelmounted.
Bad news forBorderlandsfans arrived not long after as Randy Pitchford, Gearbox Software CEO, took to Twitter to denyrumors of aBorderlandsspin-offco-developed by Gearbox Software. This, however, has not killed the hype surrounding the rumors, as the possibility of aBorderlandsspin-off was not out-and-out denied by Randy Pitchford, just it being co-developed. Randy Pitchford also revealed on Twitter that Gearbox Software is working on “the big one” and is currently looking to hire staff for this project. Many have speculated that this project could beBorderlands 4, which would suggest that development on the spin-off is tenuous if not impossible.
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Will There Be A Borderlands Spin-Off?
With Randy Pitchford’s remarks leaving the possibility of aBorderlandsspin-off on the table, there’s cause to look at what motivation there may be behind any decision for a spin-off. Motivation could arrive in the shape of theBorderlandsmovie currently in production. This could spell good news for the possibility of a spin-off, as aBorderlandsgame arriving alongside the movie would drum up plenty of good promotion, reminding fans of what it is they love about the series before they check the movie out. While the existence of theBorderlandsmovie certainly doesn’t confirm anything, it’s as good a reason as any to release a new game.
Gearbox Software has not been shy in releasing non-mainlineBorderlandstitles in recent times. BothBorderlands: The Pre-SequelandTales From The Borderlandswere released following the success ofBorderlands 2, which adds credence to the idea of a game betweenBorderlands 3andBorderlands 4. It is possible that the unconfirmed title will follow the lead ofThe Pre-Sequel, as a game like this is more what can be expected from Gearbox Software as a developer. It seems unlikely that a title of this scale could be hidden from the public for so long, but aBorderlands"post-sequel" would make a lot of sense following the bombshells dropped byBorderlands 3.
What Could The Borderlands Spin-Off Be
Fans have very little information about what this spin-off could look like, if anything at all. One of the thingsThe Pre-Sequeldid very effectively was building upon Handsome Jack’s characterization, providing context for Jack’s evil nature inBorderlands 2. A post-sequel could do something very similar with Ava, only flipping it. InBorderlands 3, Avawas thrust into the spotlight somewhat and fans picked up on this as Ava’s inexperience ended up having dire consequences for a fan favorite. Perhaps a sequel toBorderlands 3could build upon Ava’s characterization in preparation for her taking a starring role inBorderlands 4.
Thestory ofBorderlands 3left many questions for the next game in the series to answer, not least of all, leaving the question where does the story go from here? With The Destroyer and the events around that likely to make a return in the next mainlineBorderlandstitle, a break from the inevitable destruction of theBorderlandsuniverse could be well received by fans. In any case, too muchBorderlandsdoesn’t exist so anotherPre-Sequel-type game could be a good way to break up the long wait forBorderlands 4.
Borderlands 3is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
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