The team behind Borderlands 4 is committed to moving away from the overly humorous tone that some felt characterized Borderlands 3. In a recent interview, narrative director Sam Winkler shared that they are reflecting on how to balance humor with authentic character storytelling.

“If I tried to put a meme in the game, he would come to my house with a baseball bat,” says lead writer Taylor Clark about ensuring the humor resonates with the characters’ experiences.
Translation: “If I tried to incorporate a meme into the game, he would confront me directly.”

The goal is to create a serious narrative that doesn’t lose the franchise’s signature humor, aiming for what Winkler describes as a balance of both levity and earnest storytelling. Lin Joyce, managing director, emphasized that the team continually seeks to ensure that the humor lands well within the context of the story.

Winkler also noted the influence of shows like Star Trek: Lower Decks, emphasizing the importance of taking characters seriously as a foundation for a successful narrative.

The team aims to integrate a sense of authenticity in their storytelling while keeping humor intact, striving for a richer experience in their latest installment.