Gearbox is stepping back from the meme-heavy humor of its past as it gears up for Borderlands 4. Sam Winkler, the narrative director, shared this shift in approach with a fan via social media, confirming that the new installment will dial down on its reliance on memes and toilet humor. This response seems to be a direct reaction to feedback from players who felt that the previous game, Borderlands 3, went overboard with its tone and humor.
The long wait for more insights on Borderlands 4 ended at The Game Awards 2024, where Gearbox lifted the lid on its latest effort. Fans got a thrilling glimpse into what’s new: fresh factions, exciting villains, and brief peeks at the gameplay, including a look at the four vault hunters. Although the specifics about the game are still under wraps, the narrative director did address fan inquiries about whether the game would tread a darker narrative path.
Among the comments flooding Winkler’s post, there was curiosity about whether Borderlands 4 would maintain its signature humor or lean towards a more somber theme. While Sam Winkler didn’t spill all the details, he made it clear that this title is Gearbox’s most ambitious project yet, assuring fans that the team has taken note of past criticism, particularly regarding the overuse of toilet humor in Borderlands 3.
Despite some fans eagerly piecing together clues from the trailer, the narrative around the new villain, The Timekeeper, remains a mystery. Beyond revealing the presence of the four Vault Hunters, little is known about their capabilities, which has led to some fans expressing disappointment. However, with a 2025 release planned, Gearbox still has time to unveil more about the game, potentially alleviating fans’ concerns.
Adding a bit of humor, Winkler addressed a fan’s mockery concerning meme culture, reassuring them that while toilets might still exist in the game, they won’t be part of any “skibidi” trend. He also put to rest the existence of a weapon named Hawk 2A, after an online remark stirred speculation among fans and developers. Clearly, Gearbox is consciously steering away from the meme-distilled humor that marked Borderlands 3.
Though the trailer left fans riddled with questions, especially about The Timekeeper and the somewhat underwhelming Vault Hunters’ presentation, the anticipation for Borderlands 4 remains palpable. Gearbox’s commitment to refining and evolving their signature style and humor suggests that they are listening closely to the fanbase, promising a new adventure that might blend the wittiness and charm of the series with a more refined narrative approach.
