The gaming world is abuzz following a bold prediction from Gearbox Software CEO, Randy Pitchford. With the impending release of Borderlands 4, Pitchford has set an ambitious target: to propel the entire franchise beyond the monumental milestone of 100 million units sold. Speaking to Insider Gaming, his statement was clear and confident: “We will break 100 million units with this launch, easily, all in, with the franchise.“
The Elite 100 Million Club
Achieving 100 million sales is no small feat in the video game industry; it`s an exclusive club reserved for the titans. Should Borderlands 4 succeed in this mission, the franchise will join an illustrious roster that includes:
- Grand Theft Auto (GTA)
- Red Dead Redemption
- Pokémon
- Call of Duty
- Minecraft
- Final Fantasy
- Assassin`s Creed
This is a testament to sustained popularity and critical reception over many years, marking a game`s indelible impact on the cultural landscape.
From Skepticism to Superstardom: A Brief History
What makes Pitchford`s current confidence particularly noteworthy is the journey Gearbox and Borderlands have undertaken. The CEO vividly recalls a time when the mere concept of Borderlands was met with profound skepticism. Before the first game`s debut in 2009, Gearbox was primarily known for the World War II FPS series Brothers in Arms and various Half-Life expansion packs. The looter-shooter genre, with its distinct art style and irreverent humor, was an unproven commodity.
I had to `scream from the tallest mountain to get anyone to pay attention to it.` Nobody cared, and a lot of people predicted that Borderlands wasn’t going to work.
The industry`s crystal ball, it seems, needed a recalibration. Borderlands not only worked but blossomed into a global phenomenon, defying expectations and establishing a unique niche. “We went from an industry that predicted that we would die—that Borderlands would find no audience—to being one of the leading video game franchises in the world. And it`s kind of humbling, frankly, to be a part of it,” Pitchford shared, reflecting on this remarkable trajectory.
The Numbers Game: Why 100 Million Is Within Reach
While the 100 million unit mark sounds colossal, Pitchford`s prediction isn`t as audacious as it might first appear. The Borderlands franchise currently boasts over 94 million units sold. This means Borderlands 4 only needs to move approximately 6 million copies to hit the target. Considering the previous mainline titles:
- Borderlands 3 sold over 23 million copies, making it 2K`s fastest-selling game ever.
- Borderlands 2 remains the top-selling game for 2K, having achieved over 30 million units in sales.
These figures demonstrate a robust and loyal player base, suggesting that a 6 million unit contribution from the next installment is well within the realm of possibility, if not a comfortable certainty.
Borderlands 4: Release Details and the “Value” Proposition
Borderlands 4 is slated for release on September 12th for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. A Nintendo Switch 2 edition is also expected to follow in October. Beyond sales figures, another point of fervent discussion surrounding the game has been its price tag: a standard $70. Addressing this, Pitchford delivered a statement that could be interpreted as supreme confidence or playful hyperbole:
The game delivers so much value that it would still be worth it if 2K charged $350.
While few consumers might genuinely agree to a $350 price point for a new game, the statement underscores Gearbox`s belief in the expansive content and engaging experience Borderlands 4 aims to deliver. It suggests an underlying conviction that players will find immense replayability and enjoyment, justifying the investment beyond conventional pricing models.
Looking Ahead: The Legacy Continues
As Borderlands 4 approaches its launch, all eyes will be on its performance, not just for its individual success, but for its potential to crown the franchise with a truly rare achievement. The journey from a doubted concept to a multi-million-selling behemoth is a narrative in itself, one that continues to captivate players with its unique blend of chaotic action, distinctive humor, and endless loot. The 100 million unit quest is more than just a sales target; it’s a benchmark of enduring legacy in the ever-evolving world of video games.
