PAX West is currently underway and the convention will end on September 3, 2024. Many developers and publishers gather at PAX West, including Gearbox Software, the developers responsible for the Borderlands franchise. At PAX West, details about Borderlands 4 were revealed, albeit very vague. Those excited about the new Borderlands game got a look at concept art from Borderlands 4showcasing some of the new worlds players can expect to explore.
Four screenshots were shown at PAX West, all of which contrasted with each other in some way. While most shared the same futuristic vibe as previous Borderlands games, one screenshot in particular stood out as quite different from the rest. In the screenshot below, while the area still looks relatively futuristic in places, it has a somewhat dated and industrial feel to it.
Borderlands fans comment on the art first post on IGNsaying that the art style reminds them of Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel. From what can be seen in the art, the overall mood seems much darker just from the color palette, suggesting that players are in for a dark and twisted tale.
At PAX West, Gearbox Studios spoke a bit more about Borderlands 4, saying that the short teaser trailer fans saw at Gamescom was set to take place just seconds before the conclusion of Borderlands 3. It now seems possible that we could see some returning characters from Borderlands 3 with this new reveal.
Adam May, the art director behind Borderlands 4, described the concept art to the audience: “The Borderlands universe is super interesting and there’s a lot to play with. It’s a post-apocalyptic world, but in the far future, so it’s like high-tech but lo-fi. It creates all sorts of interesting opportunities with what we can do with our technology, our weapons, our characters, and the world in general.”
With this statement being made to the public, it now begs the question of whether this is some sort of alternate timeline for Borderlands 3, as the trailer was said to be seconds before the conclusion of the third game. It’s a bit confusing to understand, and a lot of it just comes down to pointing out where this game could be in the timeline.
“I can’t say too much, but that has a lot to do with it here. A lot of the stuff we haven’t had a chance to play with much in the past is some of this high-tech stuff,” which is evidently seen through the screenshots of the concept art.
Borderlands 4 doesn’t have an official release date yet, but it’s slated for release in 2025.