Is Gearbox Making a Strategic Move with Borderlands 4?

Borderlands 4 is making waves with its release date moved up by a significant week, from September 23 to September 12. This move has left many wondering about the underlying reasons that prompted such a decision. Traditionally, game releases are often delayed, so a “yaled” (i.e., undelayed) release raises eyebrows.

The concerns stem from the competitive landscape, particularly with Bungie’s recent announcement of Marathon launching on the same day as the originally planned release for Borderlands 4. Gearbox’s decision to shift their date ahead could indicate a tactical retreat to avoid potential competition in the gaming market.
While the studio hasn’t provided official reasoning, the timing and context suggest they may be trying to sidestep any backlash akin to past missteps seen with titles like Battleborn and Overwatch.

For eager fans, good news is on the horizon, with an upcoming State of Play event dedicated to Borderlands 4 set for April 30 at 2 PM PT. Expect insights into gameplay, character details, and much more to feed your anticipation!

Image credit: Gearbox Software.