The anticipation for the latest installment in the Borderlands series is palpable as Borderlands 4 gears up for its release on September 12, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. A Nintendo Switch 2 version will follow later in the year. Promising an expansive world with enhanced storytelling and gameplay, the game is set to redefine the looter-shooter genre. In an exclusive interview, Randy Pitchford, Founder and President of Gearbox, and Andrew Reiner, Global Creative Executive Officer, shared insights into the inspirations and challenges behind this ambitious project.
During a special preview event hosted by Take-Two Interactive, we had the opportunity to explore the game and discuss its development with two of its key creators. The conversation revealed the immense scale and dedication involved in bringing Borderlands 4 to life.
Unprecedented Scale and Freedom
Randy Pitchford expressed his pride in the sheer scale of the project, stating, “The scale of this effort is more than Borderlands 1, 2, and 3 all added together.” He emphasized the game’s open-world nature, which offers players unprecedented freedom and a dynamic gaming experience. “Anyone who’s played Borderlands before has kind of their expectations in their head, but until it’s not going to be, until people have played dozens of hours or realize, oh wait a minute, this is a whole different thing,” Pitchford explained.
Andrew Reiner highlighted the meticulous attention to detail that went into every aspect of the game, from the weapons to the environments. “We iterate on these things over and over,” he noted, underscoring the commitment to refining the gameplay experience.
Lessons from the Past
The development of Borderlands 4 was heavily influenced by lessons learned from previous titles. Pitchford reflected on the evolution of storytelling within the series, noting improvements in coordination and dialogue delivery. “Even though this game is much bigger and there’s more dialogue, it is not just constantly talking at you, and there’s no repetition,” he said. This structured approach aims to enhance player immersion and engagement.
Reiner added that the team’s extensive experience has led to significant quality-of-life improvements in the game. “Less friction between the player and the game. It just feels the way you want it to,” he remarked, emphasizing the seamless integration of gameplay elements.
Innovations in Loot and Art
One of the most exciting aspects of Borderlands 4 is the revamped loot system. Pitchford revealed that the game features a broader array of gear and a new Ordinance system, offering players diverse weaponry options. “You can get attributes from a TDR gun, which is throwable, and you can put that in, say, an alley elemental weapon that you’ve got,” he explained, highlighting the game’s dynamic weapon customization.
Reiner noted that the legendary items in Borderlands 4 will hold greater significance. “Borderlands 4 legendaries are going to matter. Again, you’re not going to see as many, but when you get ’em, they’re going to be thumping in your hands, kicking like mules,” he enthused.
On the artistic front, the game maintains its signature hand-painted aesthetic, with Pitchford emphasizing the personal touch that defines the series. “We’ve gotten really good at our processes and our tools for that personal touch that we like to put on everything,” he said.
Overcoming Production Challenges
The development of Borderlands 4 was not without its challenges. Pitchford described the daunting task of managing the game’s scale and scope, crediting the production team for their pivotal role in organizing the project. “I think we have the best producers in the world, the people that organize us and help us keep our head above water,” he praised.
Reiner echoed this sentiment, highlighting the iterative process that has refined the game over the past three years. “It’s only gotten better from there. Over three years of just tinkering with it and kind of finding what it really needs to be,” he said, acknowledging the team’s dedication to perfecting the game’s mechanics and storytelling.
As the release date approaches, the excitement surrounding Borderlands 4 continues to build. With its innovative gameplay, captivating storytelling, and expansive world, the game is poised to captivate both longtime fans and newcomers to the series. As Pitchford and Reiner’s insights reveal, the journey to bring this ambitious project to life has been a labor of love, promising an unforgettable gaming experience.
