Borderlands is a franchise that has always sparked mixed reactions among fans and critics alike. Known for its high-quality shooting mechanics and vast gameplay options, the series has also been criticized for its divisive humor style. However, with the upcoming release of Borderlands 4, the narrative director's announcement of moving away from 'meme-style humor' has generated excitement among the community.

When Borderlands first debuted in 2009, it was praised for its innovative approach to combining first-person shooting with RPG elements. Over the years, the franchise has evolved, with Borderlands 3 being the most recent installment. While Borderlands 3 received positive feedback, some felt that certain aspects of the game needed improvement to keep up with the changing gaming landscape.

Chris Brock, the executive producer of Borderlands 4, shared that the team's focus for the new game was on enhancing exploration. Moving away from the traditional segmented zones, Borderlands 4 offers a more open and immersive world for players to discover. The game features a larger map, spontaneous battles, and various points of interest that encourage players to engage with the environment.

From a narrative perspective, Borderlands 4 serves as both a fresh start and a continuation of the series. While introducing a new planet and a different antagonist, the game maintains a connection to previous titles without requiring players to be familiar with the entire franchise.

Addressing the issue of humor, Taylor Clark, the lead writer of Borderlands 4, emphasized the importance of adapting the tone to fit the new setting. Moving away from the meme-heavy comedy of the past, the game aims to create a more cohesive and immersive experience for players.

As Gearbox navigates the challenge of developing a new installment in a long-standing franchise, the team draws inspiration from past successes while striving to introduce fresh ideas. With a focus on originality and innovation, Borderlands 4 aims to captivate both existing fans and newcomers to the series.

While maintaining the core elements that have made Borderlands a beloved franchise, the developers are committed to pushing the boundaries of gameplay and storytelling. By blending familiar features with new mechanics, Borderlands 4 promises to deliver an exciting and engaging experience for players of all backgrounds.