What Happened
On June 16, 2025, 2K Games and Gearbox Software announced that “Borderlands 4” is now available for pre-order, with a scheduled release date of September 12, 2025. This announcement came amid discussions regarding the game’s pricing, which had previously sparked controversy when it was suggested that the standard edition might retail for $80. Following backlash from the gaming community, it was confirmed that the standard edition would be priced at $69.99, aligning with the pricing of many other AAA titles in the market.
The game will be available on multiple platforms, including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. Additionally, a version for the Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to be released later in 2025. The announcement also highlighted the inclusion of new gameplay mechanics, a larger game world, and a variety of post-launch content, including new Vault Hunters and story missions.
Key Details
- Release Date: September 12, 2025.
- Pre-order Availability: Pre-orders began on June 16, 2025.
- Pricing:
- Standard Edition: $69.99
- Deluxe Edition: $99.99 (includes extra content)
- Super Deluxe Edition: $129.99 (includes all bonus content)
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC (Steam and Epic Games Store), and Nintendo Switch 2 (later in 2025).
- Pre-order Bonus: The Gilded Glory Pack, which includes skins for Vault Hunters and weapons.
- Post-launch Content: Plans for both free and paid DLC, including new Vault Hunters, missions, and regions.
Multiple Perspectives
The pricing of “Borderlands 4” has been a focal point of discussion. Initially, there was concern that the game would be priced at $79.99, which led to significant backlash from fans. Randy Pitchford, the founder of Gearbox Software, made comments suggesting that true fans would find a way to afford the game, which many interpreted as dismissive. This sparked further criticism and discussions around the rising costs of video games in general.
In response to the backlash, 2K Games confirmed the price of $69.99, which was seen by some as a positive outcome for consumers. Pitchford later expressed relief that the price would not increase beyond what was typical for the genre. Some industry analysts view this decision as a reflection of consumer sensitivity to pricing amid rising development costs, while others argue that it highlights the challenges publishers face in balancing profitability with consumer expectations.
Context & Background
The “Borderlands” franchise has been a significant player in the gaming industry, known for its unique blend of humor, storytelling, and looter-shooter mechanics. The announcement of “Borderlands 4” comes after the success of its predecessor, “Borderlands 3,” which was released in 2019 and received critical acclaim.
The gaming industry has seen a trend toward higher game prices, particularly for AAA titles, as development costs have increased. This has led to a broader conversation about the sustainability of game pricing and the impact on consumer behavior. The controversy surrounding the pricing of “Borderlands 4” reflects these ongoing debates within the gaming community.
What We Don’t Know Yet
While the release date and pricing details for “Borderlands 4” have been confirmed, there are still several uncertainties. Specific details regarding the post-launch content, including the exact timing and nature of the DLC packs, have yet to be fully disclosed. Additionally, the reception of the game upon release, including how it will perform in terms of sales and player engagement, remains to be seen. The impact of the pricing controversy on pre-order numbers and overall consumer sentiment is also an area that will require further observation as the release date approaches.
