Developers of original Borderlands, led by Randy Pitchford, credit Wolfenstein 3D and Diablo for inspiring the game's design, striving to merge the immediate enjoyment of a shooting game with the fulfillment of advancement.
Borderlands: A Revolutionary Fusion of Action and Role-Playing Games
Borderlands, the popular looter shooter series developed by Gearbox Software, has its roots firmly planted in the genres of action and role-playing games. The boss of Gearbox, Randy Pitchford, has revealed that the development of the original Borderlands was significantly influenced by these two distinct genres, aiming to create a unique hybrid experience that combines the moment-to-moment fun of a shooter with the long-term progression and loot-driven satisfaction of role-playing games.
Before delving into the world of action games, Pitchford was primarily an RPG player. However, his perspective changed after playing Wolfenstein 3D, a first-person shooter game that introduced him to the thrill and joy of action games. Diablo, another influential game, played a crucial role in shaping Borderlands' approach to loot and player progression.
Wolfenstein 3D inspired the skill-based, moment-to-moment shooter gameplay in Borderlands. On the other hand, Diablo's loot system was a significant inspiration, driving players to keep playing in order to continually grow. Pitchford noted the distinct gameplay loops of RPGs and shooters: RPGs have a long-term loop around character leveling and progression, while shooters focus on short-term skills like movement and shooting to clear areas. Borderlands was designed to merge these loops because they operate on different timescales, forming the foundation for this genre fusion.
The goal was to create a hybrid where the shooter feels satisfying immediately, and the RPG-style rewards keep players engaged over time. This fusion was considered risky but ultimately successful, establishing a new genre often called “looter shooter”. Pitchford emphasizes that the shooter aspects and the moment-to-moment fun in Borderlands hold up, while the long-term play, the ambition of progression, and the feeling of progression are essential.
In exciting news for fans, Borderlands 4 is set to release on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC on September 12. The game will also be released on Switch 2 on October 3. Take-Two Interactive's boss states that Borderlands 4 will be priced at $70 instead of $80, aiming to deliver more value than what is charged for.
[1] [Kotaku] - https://kotaku.com/borderlands-3-interview-gearbox-randy-pitchford-1836535541 [2] [Polygon] - https://www.polygon.com/2019/9/12/20859244/borderlands-3-interview-gearbox-randy-pitchford-diablo-wolfenstein-3d-looter-shooter-genre
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