Randy Pitchford, CEO of Gearbox, Teases Borderlands Whilst Everyone Continues to Blame Him for Film Woes

The Borderlands movie was released last week to abysmal critical reception, and it’s undoubtedly looking like the film is going to be a commercial disappointment. It’s pretty safe to say it wasn’t what fans of the video game franchise had been hoping to see.

Although Gearbox Software’s CEO is trying to put a positive spin on the adaptation’s struggles, gamers aren’t having any of it and want the creator to take accountability and step away from the franchise entirely.

Borderlands Fans Want Gearbox CEO Out of the Project

Reflecting on the movie’s poor reception, the studio’s CEO Randy Pitchford took to X/Twitter to reveal that he’s “super flattered” to learn that the series’ fandom loves the games even more than what the biggest filmmakers on the planet could’ve produced.

The CEO concluded his optimistic train of thought by promising that the studio is working hard for the next entry in the franchise. A fourth entry in the Borderlands series was confirmed earlier this year when Take-Two Interactive acquired the studio.

So what you’re saying is: You like what my friends and I do with our Borderlands video games even more than you like what some of the biggest and best cast and crew of film makers on the planet have done. I’m super flattered! We’re working extra hard four you on what’s next….

— Randy Pitchford (@DuvalMagic) August 10, 2024

While many fans responded to Pitchford’s positivity with equal measure, others used his post as an opportunity to grieve the decision to turn the movie into what they believe is a generic PG-13 acting comedy rather than something that caters to the franchise.

Pitchford clearly had a massive role in the movie’s production, but it turned out to be a nightmare. Gamers believe that the studio will thrive once again after Pitchford leaves the company altogether.

We like your games more. But we know that YOU had a significant role in this movie’s production. Thank god you stepped away from the game development part. Looking forward to seeing what Gearbox does without you lording over them demanding more poop jokes.

— Jerasunder (@Jerasunder) August 10, 2024

It just wasn’t the failure of the movie either; previous games in the franchise have left players hopeless for the future.

Despite the flaws of the Borderlands movie, hamstrings by poor choice of writers and a pg-13 rating, doesn’t dismiss the fact that the bl3 story was underwhelming to say the least. Respectfully don’t look at another’s failure as your success.

— Christopher Morita (@KhaotikCrow) August 12, 2024

It’s surprising to see Pitchford making such statements when he outright blocked dedicated players of the franchise when they showed concerns for the movie.

You also might want to work hard on unblocking and apologizing to the dedicated players and creators you blocked when they offered valid criticism of this film.

Not a great look you or the next Borderlands title

— Chadly (@Chadly_99) August 10, 2024

After years of disappointment, players have lost their faith in Gearbox and believe they’ll never see a legendary title like the first entry.

I think everyone truly just wants to play a true and authentic borderlands game again. I feel like I even if you made a new game on borderlands 1 engine people would love it. Your franchise is loved, but the people are afraid they won’t see it again.

— Andy (@Cromeyy) August 11, 2024

The movie’s poor performance and Pitchford’s comments are unlikely to do the franchise any favors. However, that’s not to say that fans aren’t excited about another game in the franchise.

Borderlands 4 is Still Years Away From Launch

Take-Two’s March 2024 announcement mentioned that a fourth entry in the popular series is in active development without telling us when the production phase started.

In the modern gaming landscape, it’s a known fact that game development, especially for AAA titles, can take at least four to five years. Considering the fact that we still don’t have enough information, Borderlands 4 could be years away from debut.

If 2K’s and Gearbox’s past marketing campaigns are any signs, it is safe to assume that the title is at least 12 months away from being finally revealed.

It’s crucial for the developers to carefully listen to feedback on previous failures of the franchise; otherwise, just like the movie release, the next game could prove to be another failure.

What do you think about the Borderlands movie? Let us know in the comments below!