Gearbox Software finally lifted the curtain on
Borderlands 3 with
an hour-long gameplay reveal livestream that offered us our best look at yet the highly anticipated game. New characters, new factions, new weapons, and new gameplay mechanics were all shown off during the stream, but most of what was shown was early to mid-game moments. Gearbox is apparently saving the big stuff for E3 this summer.
“We’re going to be releasing more details about the endgame around E3,” Borderlands 3 lead boss designer Matt Cox confirmed.
“Like any other Borderlands game, we will have four story-based DLCs."
Cox added that
Borderlands 3 will be supported with in-game updates that offer fresh, new content and events, including raids.
“We’ll have special events as well as raids," he said.
"The details on how that shakes out will be announced later, but there’s plenty of endgame.”
In addition to post-launch DLC,
Borderlands 3 will also have microtransations — sort of. There was a bit of confusion surrounding the subject which resulted in a lengthy back and forth between Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford and the popular gaming publication GameInformer.
While Pitchford initially claimed that
Borderlands 3 "won't have microtransactions," it later became clear that he meant the game wouldn't have the sort of pay-to-win loot box mechanics so often seen in free-to-play shooters or other multiplayer games. While you will be able to purchase cosmetic items with real money, weapons, gear, or anything else that affects gameplay will not be available for purchase.
"We're selling cosmetic items, but we're not going to nickel and dime players," explained Gearbox's Paul Sage.
"DLC will come down the line, but the game won't have anything excessive."
Meanwhile, in
a series of tweets, Pitchford clarified his stance on the subject:
Borderlands 3 will be consistent with what players have come to expect from prior Borderlands games - except Borderlands 3 is a bigger, better and more valuable experience. We expect that to continue as we look at campain DLC as well.
Borderlands 3 will be consistent with what players have come to expect from prior Borderlands games - except Borderlands 3 is a bigger, better and more valuable experience. We expect that to continue as we look at campain DLC as well.
I made a commitment that Borderlands 3 would be supported after launch with big, fun, valuable campaign DLC and character modifications. I made a commitment to this feeling right-at-home to players of previous Borderlands games.
Our post launch plans are in flux as we are finishing the main game, but we have committed to a robust season pass that I am confident will be measurable later as an even better value proposition than Borderlands 2, which is the reigning gold standard for season pass value.
Our post-launch plans are in flux, but I made a commitment that Borderlands 3 would not pursue F2P style monetization.
It's now clear that while Borderlands 3 will have cosmetics and DLC available for purchase post-launch, nothing that can give you an advantage in gameplay will be sold.
Borderlands 3 is set to release on September 13 for Xbox One, PS4, and PC.