TheBorderlandsfranchise is one of the most successful properties to come out of the looter shooter genre. Debuting long before the genre became synonymous withlive-service elements,Borderlandshas continued to deliver a straightforward series of multiplayer titles, with a growing mythology. However, the series is in a bit of a downturn, with the most recent mainline entry,Borderlands 3, and the recent theatrical film failing to land with even the most diehard fans. WithBorderlands 4officially in the works, developer Gearbox Software is under a mountain of pressure to meet or exceed expectations with the series' next title. One way the developer can ensure thatBorderlands 4is the best it can be is by embracing a series first.
Over the years,Borderlandshas evolved beyond its reputation as a run-of-the-mill looter shooter franchise. Each subsequent title has experimented with several gameplay updates that sought to encourage its user customization and refine its gunplay and skill systems. However, the disparity between fans' expectations and delivered experiences has grown over the years, with theBorderlandsseries failing to evolve in some key areas. One way that Gearbox Software can ensure it is hitting the right benchmarks withBorderlands 4is by having fans provide feedback before launch.
Borderlands 4 Should Feature the Series’ First Beta
In modern gaming, many developers get fans involved in shaping the final release of their titles via a closed alpha, closed beta, or open beta. Doing so ensures that the game is free of major issues, has balanced systems, and, most importantly, connects with its primary fanbase. The past few years have seen titles largely flourish from the use of multiple betas, with games like the upcomingCall of Duty Black Ops 6generating a ton of hype with its beta. In fact,theBlack Ops 6betawent on to become the most-playedCODbeta of all time, making the full release more anticipated than ever.
TheBorderlandsseries, despite years of looter-shooter titles, has never embraced the beta approach, opting to generate hype via big-name announcements, trailers, and presentation appearances. However,Borderlands 4would significantly benefit from becoming the first title intheBorderlandsseriesto adopt the beta approach. With so many core gameplay systems failing to land inBorderlands 3, aBorderlands 4beta could test new combat elements, loot drops, vault hunter skills, and traversal, ensuring that they are up to fans' expectations.
A Borderlands 4 Beta Could Shape the Series' Future
A beta could prove invaluable toBorderlands 4, with fans given a clear line of communication with the developer. After years of frustration, the developer could get direct feedback from its core audience. In doing so, Gearbox would be able to shape the next major entry in theBorderlandsseries to better align with players’ wants. What’s more, a beta could help restore faith inBorderlandscreators’ vision for the franchise’s future, something the IP desperately needs after this year’sBorderlandsfeature film.
With the future of theBorderlandsseries feeling uncertain, now is a great time for Gearbox to invite fans into the creative process. With aBorderlands 4beta, that line of communication can be employed in a way that would ensure that the title reaches its greatest potential and redirects the series’ current trajectory. It remains to be seen whetherGearbox Softwarewill break tradition and host a closed alpha or beta for its next major title, asBorderlands 4has just recently been announced. Until more is known about the highly-anticipated title,Borderlandsfans remain cautiously optimistic that the upcomingBorderlands 4can deliver an experience worthy of the franchise’s legacy.
