Borderlands 4’s initial reveal didn’t really garner the level of excitement that Gearbox Software and Take-Two Interactive were likely hoping for. Although there wasn’t anything particularly bad about the game’s first few trailers, they didn’t stand out that much or contain any substantial gameplay footage. This, combined with the somewhat divisive reception to the series' earlier installments,Borderlands 3andTiny Tina’s Wonderlands, led many to be skeptical ofBorderlands 4’s quality. Thankfully, though, a recent gameplay deep dive has started to turn opinions around about the game.
Recently, Gearbox Software teamed up with Sony to hosta PlayStation State of Play centered entirely aroundBorderlands 4. This presentation provided roughly 20 minutes of raw gameplay footage, as well as developer commentary detailing the new features in the game. Although some fans had low expectations forBorderlands 4going into the State of Play, many of them were pleasantly surprised by what they saw. Unfortunately, this new-found enthusiasm forBorderlands 4didn’t last too long. Shortly after the State of Play took place, the game became the subject of controversy again due to some contentious comments made by Gearbox’s co-founder, Randy Pitchford.
Borderlands 4’s Proposed $80 Price Tag Has Caused a Lot of Controversy
Gearbox Exec Randy Pitchford Stated that “Real Fans” Will Find a Way to Pay $80 for Borderlands 4
Last week, a user on Twitter asked Randy Pitchford if he could do something to preventBorderlands 4from being launched at $80, expressing concern that a high price tag could threaten the popularity of the game. In response, Pitchford stated that setting the prices forBorderlands 4was “not his call,” and that, even if it was, “real fans” wouldfind a way to buy the game for $80 regardless. Pitchford noted that, back in 1991, he worked for “minimum wage at an ice cream parlor in Pismo Beach” to get the Sega Genesis version ofStarflightfor $80 at his local game store. Since he “found a way to make it happen” back then, he believes that players will do the same forBorderlands 4, as well.
Unsurprisingly, Pitchford’s statements were met with a flood of negative responses from fans, as many were upset over his dismissive attitude. Some players believe that, no matter how goodBorderlands 4is, it isn’t going to be worth $80, and it will be better to wait for a sale. It’s worth noting, though, that Gearbox is not the only company that’s considering releasing its games at $80. Microsoft and Nintendo have already announced their intent toship certain titles at this new price point, and it’s likely that many other publishers will follow suit.
Although Borderlands 4 Doesn’t Have an Official Price Yet, It’s Likely That It Will Cost $80
To be clear, the prices forBorderlands 4have not been confirmed yet. In spite of Pitchford’s comments, it’s possible that the game will not be released at $80, but will cost $70 instead, just like most other recent AAA releases. That said, Gearbox and its parent company, Take-Two Interactive, will likely opt to charge a higher price for the game, due to a multitude of factors. AsRandy Pitchford stated during an interview at PAX Easta few weeks ago, Borderlands 4has “more than twice” the budget that2019’sBorderlands 3had, which was released at only $60. LaunchingBorderlands 4at $80, then, would probably allow the game to make its money back at a much faster rate.
At the end of the day, no one currently knows whatBorderlands 4’s retail price will be, not even Randy Pitchford himself. No matter what Gearbox settles on, though,Borderlands 4’s price tagwill directly affect its commercial performance. If the company chooses to release the game at $80, then it runs the risk of negatively impacting its sales numbers. However, ifBorderlands 4costs $70, then it may not generate enough revenue to satisfy Gearbox and Take-Two’s executives, due to its increased development budget.
WHERE TO PLAY
Borderlands 4 brings intense action, badass Vault Hunters, and billions of wild and deadly weapons to an all-new planet ruled by a ruthless tyrant.Crash into Kairos as one of four new Vault Hunters seeking wealth and glory. Wield powerful Action Skills, customize your build with deep skill trees, and dominate enemies with dynamic movement abilities.Break free from the oppressive Timekeeper, a ruthless dictator who dominates the masses from on high. Now a world-altering catastrophe threatens his perfect Order, unleashing mayhem across the planet.Ignite a resistance and blast your way through mechanical monstrosities, bloodthirsty bandits, and vicious beasts. Amass an arsenal of death-dealing firepower to wreak havoc as you tear your way across Kairos.Fight solo or in co-op with up to three other players in this immense sci-fi adventure, packed with free-form combat and exploration, pulse-pounding boss fights, infinitely varied loot drops, and an eclectic cast of unforgettable characters new and old.
