14 DAY TRIAL // We've been hearing about video game delays left and right, especially in terms of new properties that were scheduled to appear at the same time as all of the high-end blockbuster sequels at the end of the year.
But at least one new game will keep its promise, as Gearbox Software and 2K Games have announced that the innovative and gorgeous-looking Borderlands game will appear on October 20 for North America, and on October 23 in the UK, mainland Europe, Australia and the rest of the whole wide world.
Christoph Hartmann, the president of 2K Games, which will publish the title, has revealed that the bold direction of Borderlands and the fact that it is unlike anything else launched before it, at least in terms of looks, as it has cel-shaded visuals, will guarantee some big sales, even though games such as Uncharted 2 are appearing in the same few weeks as it.
“I don't think we have to be afraid of competition or shy of what's out there,” Hartmann says. “I think this holiday season is a little bit lighter in triple-A games than last year. It's actually a good holiday to put something out. There's always risk and opportunity. The risk is you have a hard time standing out against established IP. The opportunity is you have a lot of traffic here and it can be a much bigger product at retail than it would be otherwise.”
Borderlands hasn't had the best conception cycle, as it was introduced to the general media in the summer of 2007 as being a post apocalyptic shooter complete with a vast open world and dynamic playing mechanics. After missing its projected release date of 2008, the game was overhauled and the beautiful and innovative cel-shaded look we see now was born.
Hopefully, the game, as it will be one of the few new projects released during the upcoming fall season, will bring new things in a market that will be saturated with sequels of other titles.