Gearbox Software has revealed the first gameplay footage for Borderlands 4 as part of a brand-new trailer shown at The Game Awards 2024.
Following on from Borderlands 4’s initial reveal at Gamescom, the new trailer offered fans a glimpse of what to expect from the hotly-anticipated sequel. Among other things it showed snippets of first-person shooting and a few returning characters, including claptrap.
Here’s the official blurb from Gearbox:
Revealed at The Game Awards, a new trailer introduces The Timekeeper, a ruthless dictator who dominates the masses from on high. A world-altering catastrophe threatens his perfect Order, unleashing mayhem across Kairos, the most dangerous planet discovered so far in the Borderlands universe.
Borderlands 4 is the most enterprising Borderlands to date, lovingly hand-crafted by the development studio that first forged the looter shooter genre.The title evolves the series’ gameplay and storytelling in new ways while delivering on the quintessential Borderlands experience fans know and love, including:
Intense action, badass Vault Hunters, and billions of wild and deadly weapons on an all-new planet ruled by a ruthless tyrant.
The deepest and most diverse Vault Hunter skill trees of any Borderlands title yet, giving players an unprecedented level of expression through their builds. Paired with the most expansive loot chase yet, players will have all the tools they need to seek out and perfect the build that best matches their style.
Players will be able to seamlessly travel between zones and become immersed in a more dynamic world featuring events and discoverable side missions that encourage and reward exploration.
New traversal mechanics add to the exploration for loot and add new dimensions to combat.A vehicle that can be summoned almost anywhere will have players racing across the gorgeous vistas of Kairos in style.
Fight solo or in co-op with up to three other players in this immense sci-fi adventure, packed with free-form combat and exploration, pulse-pounding boss fights, infinitely varied loot drops, and an eclectic cast of unforgettable characters new and old.
“Borderlands 4 is about freedom and being badass,” said Gearbox boss Randy Pitchford. “This is by far the biggest and most insane world we’ve ever made - it’s overloaded with jerkface ratnozzle scrote monsters that need to be put down with the most over-the-top hardcore nuts op guns and loot in any game ever. Oh, and the story also seriously kicks ass!”
Pitchford heavily teased the trailer in the run-up to The Game awards, promising that it would include a “never-been-seen original cinematic sequence depicting a moment that occurs about halfway between the end of Borderlands 3 and the begining of Borderlands 4.”
Borderlands 4 is the latest entry in the popular looter series that first debuted back in 2009. Known for its humor, customization, and huge number of guns, the Borderlands series has spanned numerous entries and spin-offs as well as one poorly-received feature film.
Be sure to check out IGN’s round-up of everything announced at The Game Awards 2024 for more on what’s coming to the world of gaming in the years to come.
Kat Bailey is IGN’s News Director and also co-host of Nintendo Voice Chat. Have a tip? Send her a DM at @the_katbot.
What new features and gameplay mechanics can fans expect in Borderlands 4?
Time.news Interview: Exciting Insights into Borderlands 4
editor: Welcome,everyone! Today we have a special guest,game development expert and industry analyst,Dr. Jane Fletcher, who’s here to discuss the highly anticipated title, Borderlands 4. The recent gameplay footage showcased at The Game awards 2024 has fans buzzing with excitement. Dr.Fletcher, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Fletcher: Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting time for Borderlands fans, and I’m thrilled to dive into it.
Editor: Absolutely! So, let’s jump right in. Gearbox Software recently released the first gameplay footage for Borderlands 4. What were your first impressions of the new trailer?
Dr. Fletcher: It’s quite notable! The trailer highlighted the classic Borderlands humor and chaotic first-person shooting that fans love. The visual style remains vibrant and engaging, while the snippets of gameplay indicate that they’re staying true to the franchise’s roots while also pushing boundaries. I was notably excited to see the return of iconic characters like claptrap.
Editor: claptrap has undoubtedly become a beloved character within the series. How do you think the return of familiar characters impacts player nostalgia and engagement?
Dr. Fletcher: Nostalgia plays a powerful role in gaming. Characters like Claptrap evoke fond memories for long-time fans, which can enhance emotional connection to the game. It also lowers the barrier for new players, as returning characters create a sense of continuity within the chaotic world of Borderlands. This balance will be crucial for Gearbox to maintain if they want to attract both veteran players and newcomers alike.
Editor: That’s a great point! The trailer also showcased intense first-person shooting mechanics. From a game design perspective, what challenges do you believe Gearbox Software faces in evolving thes mechanics while keeping the gameplay fresh?
Dr. fletcher: Evolving gameplay is always a challenge, especially in a franchise with strong foundational mechanics like Borderlands. Gearbox will need to innovate without losing what makes the experience enjoyable.They can explore new weapon types, shooting dynamics, and perhaps even introduce AI allies or enhanced enemy behaviors to keep the combat fresh and challenging. balancing new additions while ensuring smooth execution and fun will be essential.
editor: With the recent hype surrounding the gameplay footage, how vital is marketing and presentation, especially at events like The Game Awards?
Dr. Fletcher: Extremely important! Major events like The Game Awards offer developers a platform to capture significant attention. Eye-catching trailers can generate buzz, influence player expectations, and even shape discussions within the gaming community. Gearbox’s timing and strategy to showcase Borderlands 4 at such a prominent event demonstrates their understanding of this dynamic. Positive reception here can substantially influence pre-orders, fan involvement, and overall market impact.
Editor: This all leads to an important question: What should fans keep their expectations tempered with as they wait for Borderlands 4’s release?
Dr. Fletcher: While it’s natural for excitement to build, fans should remember that game development can be unpredictable. Expectations should balance enthusiasm for the franchise’s legacy with a healthy understanding that all elements might not fit every player’s tastes.It’s also crucial to recognize that developers may still be refining gameplay and storytelling as the release date approaches.
Editor: Such insightful advice, Dr. Fletcher! As we wrap up, what elements of Borderlands are you moast hopeful to see in this installment?
Dr. Fletcher: I’m really looking forward to seeing how they expand the world and narrative depth. Borderlands shines with its quirky humor and unique art style. If they can enhance character development and weave in more engaging storytelling alongside the shoot-and-loot mechanics, I think they will deliver an unforgettable experience.
Editor: Thank you so much, Dr. Fletcher! Your insights have added so much depth to our understanding of Borderlands 4. We can’t wait to see what Gearbox Software unleashes in the coming months.
Dr. Fletcher: Thank you! I’m looking forward to the ride as well. The community will be watching eagerly!