Gearbox Software posted a Borderlands-themed image on their social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) that highlight’s their upcoming PAX Panel. For some time now it has been speculated that we will see Borderlands 3 at this event. This tease by the developer is clearly a tip on the nose to the community to be on the lookout for this event. The sign even mentions “EXIT 3” which enhanced the *WINK *WINK *NUDGE *NUDGE
Teaser Analysis
One thing in this image that also stood out for me is the absence of the shading technic that Randy Pitchford showed off in a Borderlands tech demo 2 years ago. In that presentation, you could see more emphasis on the shadows because they used crosshatching in that tech demo. A technic that is not present in this image.
The black outline on the road sign is missing some anti-aliasing. Is gearbox downplaying the visuals of this image intentionally in order to blow our socks off during the presentation?
When is the reveal?
PAX East is from March 28 till March 31, 2019. On Thursday, March 28, Gearbox Software will do their 1 hour Main Theater Show at 2 PM. If you cannot be present at the event, you can watch the live stream on Twitch.
What can you expect at PAX?
The description of the Gearbox Main Theater Show is as follows:
This is your opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at Gearbox Software and Gearbox Publishing, along with the latest news and updates from the makers of Borderlands, Battleborn, Brothers in Arms, and more! We will have never-before-seen reveals, exclusives, and surprises, so don’t miss out!
Gearbox Entertainment
- This marketing language is something that Gearbox has been using for years. Even I have been fooled by it a few years ago. A former GBX PR Manager confirmed that he wrote that language, it has been updated to include Battleborn and Gearbox Publishing.
- The inclusion of Gearbox Publishing in this message can simply mean that they can reveal an indie game as Gearbox now also has a publishing division.
Personally, I think we will see the next Borderlands and it will take up the majority of the show. This isn’t based on the message above but on how the folks over at GBX & 2K are responding to this teaser image. Their excitement is through the roof. While we have been waiting a long time for a sequel, they can finally openly talk about it.
It wouldn’t surprise me if there is a small section for the GBX publishing side of things (Update: Gearbox teased another game).
Randy Pitchford will probably do one of his magic tricks.
Project 1v1 could make an appearance just like they can mention their new tentpole IP they are working on. These will probably be short segments to show that other exciting things are being worked on. Just like they will probably mention Borderlands 2 VR and how they are supporting that game with the feedback from the community.
When will Borderlands 3 be released?
In a Take-Two earnings calls it has been mentioned that the highly anticipated game by one of 2K Games’ biggest franchises will be released in fiscal 2020. This puts Borderlands 3 somewhere between April 1, 2019, till March 31, 2020. Most of the community expects the game to launch just before the holiday season this year. This would be a likely scenario, then GBX and 2K will have approximately 6 months to promote the game.