One of Gearbox’s major selling points for Borderlands 3 is: We are not a Games-as-a-Service. However, there is more service in this loot shooter than it initially appears.
This is what Gearbox says about the model of Borderlands 3: On the stage of the large gameplay reveal event for Borderlands 3, Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford announced that they
- want to stay true to the “spirit of Borderlands”
- there would be a few hefty campaign DLCs
- have cosmetic items, but no microtransactions
- would not include any “Free2Play crap” like loot boxes
Especially the statement that there would be no microtransactions caused a controversy. Later, Creative Director Paul Sage clarified that there would indeed be microtransactions, but only in the form of direct purchases for cosmetics and without a premium currency. They do not want to go the Games-as-a-Service route with Borderlands 3 (via PCGamer.com). This refers to Borderlands 3 in general.
What does Games-as-a-Service actually mean? Essentially, the emphasis here is on “service”. These games aim to be more than just a finished product, as seen in the single-player RPG Sekiro.
Games-as-a-Service:
- are multiplayer games, the focus is clearly on multiplayer
- theoretically, all players can connect online and play together.
- are regularly updated by the developer with patches, updates, expansions, DLCs, or even new titles in the franchise to remain relevant, and are designed that way from the start.
Here are more insights into the development of Games-as-a-Service:
So much Games-as-a-Service is in Borderlands 3
Why is Borderlands 3 more Games-as-a-Service than you think?
- Borderlands 3 will receive a season pass, which contains at least 4 major paid DLCs to expand the game after launch.
- There will be seasonal events inspired by the predecessor Borderlands 2. For example, there was the four-week “$100,000 Loot Hunt“. A community event where players had to kill special enemies for special rewards.
- They probably plan to expand the 4 classes with new features after the launch of Borderlands 3. Here you will find a description of the four characters, with our current knowledge about them.
- The entire game can be played online in multiplayer co-op.
- Borderlands 3 includes (smaller) microtransactions for cosmetic items.
So, Borderlands 3 will have an online multiplayer live service with events and major expansions that can keep players entertained for a long time.
Borderlands 3 can still claim it is not a Games-as-a-Service
Borderlands 3 can be seen as a borderline case here. Because one of the most important elements for Games-as-a-Service is the online factor with a focus on multiplayer.
Borderlands 3 can be played online with friends. But it will be possible to play the loot shooter completely offline and alone.
This is a crucial point against Games-as-a-Service.
Borderlands 3 gives players the choice whether it is a service game
This is the controversy around service games: “Games-as-a-Service” games deter a portion of the player base. Service games have a reputation for being unfinished
(via GameStar.de) and delaying customers when there are problems in the game.
Games like Anthem or Fallout 76 are often in the crosshairs, but are still being played. Because there is also a large share of players who love the service model and always want new content for “their game”.
That’s why Gearbox employs clever marketing: The publisher 2K and Gearbox are likely aware of the current controversy surrounding “Games-as-a-Service” games.
They would alienate valuable customers if they defined Borderlands 3 as a “Games-as-a-Service”. A huge fan cult has formed around the series. They have a clear, nostalgic idea of what Borderlands 3 should look like. Gearbox knows what their fans want to hear.
At the same time, the massive DLCs are also highlighted. This gives the game a longevity that is typical for Games-as-a-Service.
Thus, they appeal to two target groups:
- those who want to spend hundreds of hours in Borderlands 3
- but also the player who just wants to play through the story campaign and then be done
Borderlands 3 gives us a choice: Whether the loot shooter is now a full service game or not, is certainly debatable. Because we are given a choice that appeals to both camps.
That is exactly what makes Borderlands 3 an interesting title for 2019, which could appeal to a wide audience of players. That could be the formula for success for Borderlands 3.
