Summary
Borderlandshas been a staple of the looter shooter genre since its inception in 2009. Gearbox Studios helped usher in the popularity of the genre, and numerous games since have taken inspiration from the franchise. AsBorderlands 4is now officially in the works, fans are already looking forward to what the next installment ofBorderlandswill bring to the latest generation. The previous entry,Borderlands 3, received a number of post-launch additions and expansions that, although never explicitly called “live-service,” functioned essentially the same.
Borderlands 3’s post-launch support and updates closely resembled that of the usual content of manylive-service titles likeDestiny 2,Helldivers 2, andApex Legends, but by not labeling it explicitly as such, was able to avoid the increasingly negative connotations that were becoming attached to the genre/term.Borderlands 3smartly sidestepped the stigma of being officially branded a “live-service” yet still retained almost all the benefits of taking a similar approach for ongoing support, creating a win-win scenario for fans and the studio, which is something that should be the case again forBorderlands 4.
Gearbox Not Describing Borderlands' Post-Launch Support as a Live-Service is a Brilliant Strategy it Should Keep for BL4
Borderlands 3’s Post-Launch Support and Content
AsBorderlandswent on and gained popularity, Gearbox began providing increasingly extensive and robust support, whether that came in the form of major story-based DLCs or items like additional challenges and new raids and bosses that were spread out over the course of a given title’s life.Borderlands 3’s post-launch contentintroduced elements like iterations on Mayhem Mode, more cosmetics, weapons, and seasonal/special events (many of which were free) as well as four bigger paid DLCs that were bundled as a Season Pass.
Notably, in an interesting case leading up to its launch, the studio released the Commander Lilith and the Fight for Sanctuary DLC, which was also initially free for those who already ownedBorderlands 2, and narratively bridged the gap between it andBL3. This garnered goodwill and built up excitement ahead of the third title. Gearbox could thus use this template again to similarly build momentum going into the fourth entry and provide the same level and quality of content following release.
A number of fans weren’t quite as thrilled with Gearbox’s handling ofTiny Tina’s Wonderlands' contentafter launch, and the developer has hopefully learned from that experience and fan reception.
Borderlands 4 Should Continue BL3’s ‘Non-Live-Service’ Approach
The risks and pitfalls that come with managing thesustainability of live-service titleshave been pointed out for quite some time, and there are cautionary tales of games sometimes outright failing to keep up with their own promises or marred by the mere fact of falling under the banner, as some players who are off-put by what it has come to imply and entail steered clear.Borderlands 3, though, was consistently updated and introduced engaging minor additions and tweaks interspersed with bigger story-focused DLCs to give fans multiple reasons to remain invested and keep playing well after the initial launch period.
Gearbox cleverly integrated these and similar features intoBorderlands 3,which practically equated to live-service support, all while never having to invoke the moniker itself. This strategy has generally worked quite well for the series in terms of its post-launch support, pleasing gamers and not attempting to upset the great balance and extensions that the numerous, smaller updates and larger Season Pass content brought to the franchise. It seems a natural move then to stick to this philosophy forBL4, allowing both Gearbox andBorderlandsfans to reap the rewards of a full-blown live-service approach while avoiding that specific terminology, and setting a positive example in the industry.
Borderlands 3
WHERE TO PLAY
The original shooter-looter returns, packing bazillions of guns and an all-new mayhem-fueled adventure! Blast through new worlds and enemies as one of four brand new Vault Hunters – the ultimate treasure-seeking badasses of the Borderlands, each with deep skill trees, abilities, and customization. Play solo or join with friends to take on insane enemies, score loads of loot and save your home from the most ruthless cult leaders in the galaxy.A MAYHEM-FUELED THRILL RIDEStop the fanatical Calypso Twins from uniting the bandit clans and claiming the galaxy’s ultimate power. Only you, a thrill-seeking Vault Hunter, have the arsenal and allies to take them down.YOUR VAULT HUNTER, YOUR PLAYSTYLEBecome one of four extraordinary Vault Hunters, each with unique abilities, playstyles, deep skill trees, and tons of personalization options. All Vault Hunters are capable of awesome mayhem alone, but together they are unstoppable.LOCK, LOAD, AND LOOTWith bazillions of guns and gadgets, every fight is an opportunity to score new gear. Firearms with self-propelling bullet shields? Check. Rifles that spawn fire-spewing volcanoes? Obviously. Guns that grow legs and chase down enemies while hurling verbal insults? Yeah, got that too.NEW BORDERLANDSDiscover new worlds beyond Pandora, each featuring unique environments to explore and enemies to destroy. Tear through hostile deserts, battle your way across war-torn cityscapes, navigate deadly bayous, and more! QUICK & SEAMLESS CO-OP ACTIONPlay with anyone at any time online or in split-screen co-op, regardless of your level or mission progress. Take down enemies and challenges as a team, but reap rewards that are yours alone – no one misses out on loot.
