The “loot-and-shoot” game style is a big deal today. You see games like it everywhere. Soon, players can grab the newest entry, Borderlands 4. Yet, the head of Gearbox Software shared a surprising secret. This now-popular genre was once thought to be headed for failure.
Randy Pitchford leads Gearbox Software. He told Gamesradar+ at gamescom 2025 that when they first started the Borderlands series, the game industry had low hopes. Many predicted that this type of game would quickly vanish. They believed no one would play it. Instead, Borderlands defied those predictions and became a top game franchise.
“We moved from a time when the industry told us this game type was dying, and Borderlands wouldn’t find players, to becoming a leading franchise,” Pitchford explained. “Honestly, helping this genre become popular feels quite humbling.”
He reflected on the game’s history. “In the early days of Borderlands, we always pushed our limits,” Pitchford added. “Now, we build upon what Borderlands naturally is. That’s why we made the fourth game. It’s also why we are one of the most successful game franchises ever.”
Pitchford isn’t worried about how Borderlands 4 will be received. He knows a lot has changed over the past 16 years. But his team remains focused. “I’m not too concerned,” he stated. “We just focus on our hard work. We see where our designs take us.”
Borderlands 4 is set to launch on September 12. It will be available for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC.