Numerous Borderlands 3 developers have now apparently left Gearbox. This includes people who were responsible for mission and character design.
Who is leaving now? A total of 7 experienced and senior developers are leaving the Borderlands team and publisher Gearbox. They are
- Christopher Brock (Senior Producer)
- Keith Schuler (Lead Mission Designer)
- Scott Kester (Art Director)
- Kenvin Penrod (Lead Character Artist)
- Paul Sage (Creative Director)
- Chrisz Strasz (Game Feel Director)
Brock, Schuler, and Kester have been with Gearbox for over a decade and are leaving behind significant gaps. But how will this all affect things?
Why are they leaving the studio? According to a report by Axios (via axios.com), the developers apparently want to team up for an indie project and create their own game.
After Danny Homan, the co-writer of Borderlands 3, a total of 7 key developers left the team. Homan had already left Gearbox in May and joined Apex developer Respawn.
Developer departures are not expected to affect Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands
This is what the Gearbox chief says: According to Randy Pitchford, who confirmed the reports, this will not impact the development of the latest Borderlands spin-off. He says:
This small group is great and talented and we are so grateful for their contributions, creativity, and leadership. […] They are leaving Gearbox on good terms and we wish them all the best for their new project. I am excited about their prospects and curious to see where their efforts will lead them. I also hope that our strong, mutually respectful relationship will lead to a lasting partnership in a new form.
(via PCGamer.com)
According to Pitchford, the developers leaving the studio have also been involved in another project. There are expected to be no major difficulties due to the departures. “If there is going to be a move, this is the best possible time for it.”
According to the Axios report, however, a large part of the responsible team has now departed with the 6 developers. Gearbox is already working on adjusting the structures. However, it is hard to imagine that such a significant departure of a team will not impact development.
What is this project about? The chief only spoke superficially about this. The project is supposed to be “just a small part of the transformation currently happening at Gearbox.” He emphasized, however, that “the majority of our attention right now is focused on completing Wonderlands.”
What is Wonderlands anyway? Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands is a looter-shooter based on the weapon mechanics of Borderlands, but set in a crazy and twisted fantasy world.
Instead of a crazy sci-fi setting, the entire world is now filled with fantasy elements. Tiny Tina is the new main character. Borderlands fans might already know her from other games – she is one of the most popular and eccentric characters in the games.
When is Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands being released? The release is currently aimed for spring 2022 and according to Pitchford, it looks like they will be able to meet the release despite the departures.
On which platforms will the game be released? Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands is playable on most major platforms: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4, and PC (Steam and Epic Games Store).
You can find out more about Wonderlands in the introduction by MeinMMO author Cortyn: Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands will be the Borderlands 3 I’ve always wanted
