Randy Pitchford, the founder of Gearbox, recently shared insights about the development of Borderlands 4 during an interview. This highly anticipated game hit the shelves on September 12, marking another milestone for the studio. Pitchford delved into the complexities involved in crafting such a massive game, emphasizing that the gaming industry is still evolving and has yet to reach its pinnacle, akin to a ‘Citizen Kane’ moment for video games.
The Creation of Borderlands 4
The interview, which spans 73 minutes, features Pitchford discussing what it takes to produce a colossal game like Borderlands 4. He highlights the immense investment required, stating that video game budgets now surpass those of blockbuster films. He stresses the importance of shared belief and commitment among the team and financial backers to bring such ambitious projects to life.
Gaming’s Evolution Compared to Cinema
Pitchford draws a parallel between the gaming industry and the film industry, mentioning that video games have not yet produced a masterpiece on par with Orson Welles’ 1941 classic, Citizen Kane. Despite this, the gaming world has rapidly advanced since the first commercial release, Computer Space, 54 years ago. In fact, video games are being adapted into movies and TV shows more frequently than the reverse, showcasing the medium’s growing influence.
Industry Commentary and Future Prospects
Pitchford’s statement that the gaming industry is still in its early stages isn’t as contentious as some of his other remarks, but it certainly sparks conversation among gamers. As the industry continues to innovate, it will be fascinating to see what the future holds and when video games will have their defining moment in cultural history.
Pitchford emphasizes that the gaming industry has yet to experience its ‘Citizen Kane’ moment, indicating that it is still in the early stages of its evolution.