Breaking News: Borderlands 4 Release Date Moved Up 11 Days, But Why?
In a surprise move, Gearbox’s highly anticipated first-person shooter Borderlands 4 has been confirmed to release 11 days earlier than planned, shifting from September 23 to September 12 across PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, and Nintendo Switch 2. In a video that appears to have gone live early, development chief Randy Pitchford revealed the news, citing the game’s progress and the team’s enthusiasm.
So, what’s behind this unexpected decision? One theory is that Borderlands 4 is being moved to avoid clashing with Grand Theft Auto 6, which is currently set for release in the fall of 2025. As a game published by 2K Games, which is owned by Take-Two, the parent company of Rockstar Games, there may be a desire to give GTA 6 more breathing room. This could be especially important considering the massive hype surrounding GTA 6, which could potentially overshadow other games in the same release window.
Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick has previously stated that the company is planning its releases to avoid cannibalization, ensuring that each game gets the attention it deserves. In an interview, Zelnick emphasized the importance of respecting the consumer’s need to spend time playing hit games before moving on to the next. While this approach may seem cautious, it’s likely a deliberate strategy to maximize the impact of each game.
Another possibility is that Borderlands 4 is being moved to avoid competing with Bungie’s online co-op extraction shooter Marathon, which is set for release on September 23, 2025. As a Sony-published game, Marathon may pose a threat to Borderlands 4’s sales, especially considering the two games’ similar genres and target audiences.
While the exact reason for the release date change remains unclear, one thing is certain: Borderlands 4 fans will get to experience the game sooner than expected. With the promised PlayStation State of Play focused on Borderlands 4 set to go live imminently, we can expect more information and gameplay reveals in the coming days.
Actionable Insights:
- Keep an eye on the release dates of other 2K Games titles, such as Mafia: The Old Country, to see if they’re also being moved to avoid clashing with GTA 6.
- Consider the potential impact of GTA 6’s release date on the gaming industry as a whole, and how it may affect the success of other games in the same release window.
- If you’re a fan of Borderlands 4, be prepared for more information and gameplay reveals in the coming days, and get ready to dive into the game on September 12.
Summary:
In a surprise move, Borderlands 4 has been confirmed to release 11 days earlier than planned, shifting from September 23 to September 12. While the exact reason for the change remains unclear, theories suggest that the game may be being moved to avoid clashing with Grand Theft Auto 6 or Bungie’s Marathon. With the promised PlayStation State of Play focused on Borderlands 4 set to go live imminently, fans can expect more information and gameplay reveals in the coming days.