WhenDiablocame out, I remember being fascinated by its randomly generated dungeons. “Surely,” I said, unwisely, “I’ll eventually run across a map I’ve seen before.” Oh, how gloriously, wonderfully wrong I was!
Over a decade later, the fine folks at Gearbox Software decided that maybe Blizzard had been onto something back in 1996, and that “thousands of unique, randomly generated missions, weapons and situations” would be pretty rad.
And thus*,Borderlandswas born. And no, there’s nowall buildinginvolved.
Borderlandsis being published by 2K Games, who seem to be riding the sci-fi FPSgravy trainuntil its last stop (whenever that may be), and hopes to distinguish itself from thegrowingnumberof ambitious sci-fi FPS’s in 2008 via its ability to generate new content:
Borderlands features a groundbreaking content generation system allowing for near-endless variety in missions, environments, enemies, weapons, item drops and character customization.
Reading the press release, this game almost sounds like an MMOFPS with an emphasis on new content and co-op. Apparently, “players can freely join or leave each other’s games at anytime, or choose to play in the full single-player mode,” which seems to suggest the ability to create the equivalent of guilds, or at least parties, with your fellow players. I have vague rumblings about squad-based co-op play, or something similar. Maybe likeJerichobut more wholesome?
This is, of course, wild speculation since the game’s only been announced today. The verdict is still out until we find out more about it, or, better yet, have it in our hands. In any case,Borderlandsis the first in a sci-fi franchise, so its clear that Gearbox and 2K have high hopes for it. It should come out God knows when for the PS3, Xbox360, and Games for Windows.
Press release follows, and some screenshots, sent in by TheGoldenDonut,here.
[Editor’s note: I don’t really know how, precisely,Borderlandswas born, but I like to think that the Gearbox guys have good taste, so I know they’ve playedDiablo.]
2K Games to Publish Gearbox Software’s BorderlandsTM for Next Gen Consoles and Games for Windows(r)
New sci-fi shooter from award-winning developer Gearbox Software blendsfirst-person action with character progression and hundreds of thousandsof weapons for an unmatched cooperative gaming experience
New York, NY – August 02, 2025 – 2K Games, a publishing label ofTake-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO), announced today thatit will publish Borderlands(tm), the latest release from acclaimeddeveloper Gearbox Software, for the Xbox 360(tm) video game andentertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION(r)3 computerentertainment system and Games for Windows(r). As the first title in anall-new sci-fi action franchise, Borderlands combines the best elementsof Gearbox Software’s famed first-person action titles with playercustomization and vehicular combat to create an unprecedented gamingexperience.
Gearbox Software has developed revolutionary new technology to createBorderlands’ incredible layers of gameplay depth. Borderlands featuresa groundbreaking content generation system allowing for near-endlessvariety in missions, environments, enemies, weapons, item drops andcharacter customization.
“Borderlands represents an important evolutionary leap in game designand technology,” said Christoph Hartmann, President of 2K. “By utilizingrevolutionary new technology to create thousands of unique, randomlygenerated missions, weapons and situations, Borderlands will raise thebar for next gen action games.”
Borderlands is an extraordinary cooperative experience, allowing formultiple players to share the same game experience simultaneouslyonline. Players can freely join or leave each other’s games at anytime,or choose to play in the full single-player mode. Borderlands featureslife-like character animations, impressive real-time physics, andcustomizable vehicles.
“Borderlands creates a universe of gameplay that goes far beyondanything anyone would expect. We’re tapping into every bit of GearboxSoftware’s experience with the biggest science fiction video gamefranchises, then taking everything way past the next level,” said RandyPitchford, President of Gearbox Software. “The team at 2K Games sharesour passion for pushing boundaries in gameplay and storytelling and areabsolutely perfect partners for Borderlands.”
Borderlands will be available holiday 2008 for PLAYSTATION 3 system,Xbox 360 and Games for Windows(r). For more information, see theBorderlands cover story in the September issue of Game InformerMagazine.
About Gearbox Software
Gearbox Software, an independent video game development studio locatedin Dallas, TX, is respected industry-wide for their ability to createaward winning, blockbuster interactive entertainment. The company hasestablished itself as an industry leader, developing games for many ofthe industry’s top franchises including Half-Life: Opposing Force,Half-Life: Blueshift, Half-Life PlayStation(r)2, Halo: Combat Evolved,Aliens and Tony Hawk. Gearbox Software’s first original brand, Brothersin Arms, was launched in 2005 and has become one of the highest ratedand best selling franchises in the genre. The company is currentlydeveloping multiple original titles for next generation video gameconsoles and Windows Vista(tm). Additional information regarding GearboxSoftware can be found atwww.gearboxsoftware.com.
About Take-Two Interactive Software
Headquartered in New York City, Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. is aglobal developer, marketer, distributor and publisher of interactiveentertainment software games for the PC, PlayStation(r) game console,PlayStation(r)2 and PLAYSTATION(r)3 computer entertainment systems,PSP(r) (PlayStation(r)Portable) system, Xbox(r) and Xbox 360(tm) videogame and entertainment systems from Microsoft, Wii(tm), NintendoGameCube(tm), Nintendo DS(tm) and Game Boy(r) Advance. The Companypublishes and develops products through its wholly owned labels RockstarGames, 2K Games and 2K Sports, and Global Star Software; and distributessoftware, hardware and accessories in North America through its Jack ofAll Games subsidiary. Take-Two’s common stock is publicly traded onNASDAQ under the symbol TTWO. For more corporate and product informationplease visit our website atwww.take2games.com.
