Video game companies have their own strategies in announcing upcoming titles. It is a known fact that sequels take years to make. In most cases, once a game is announced it is understood as a confirmation that its development has already started. As for “Borderlands 3,” Gearbox Software has yet to break the news.
The first “Borderlands” game was released in 2009 and was followed by the same title sequel just about three years later. Though Gearbox came up with four other installments through the years, the company has been pretty secretive about its plans for “Borderlands 3.”
A fan recently commented on Twitter that whatever Gearbox Software CEO Randy Pitchford posts on his social media page, he ends up getting overwhelming queries about “Borderlands 3.” Another follower seemingly claimed the company’s “silence” on the matter is “frustrating” gaming fans.
However, Pitchford countered by saying they never hid the fact that they “have games in development.” He added that their in-development titles include new installments for the “Borderlands” franchise, but “Borderlands 3” was not specifically mentioned. The gaming exec reiterated they do not want to make any premature announcements. He insisted that whatever worries gaming fans’ is out of his control and added, “I’m worried about creating entertainment and will announce things when they are ready.”
It has been no secret that we have games in development and that includes games in the borderlands franchise. I cannot control what other people worry about. I’m worried about creating entertainment and will announce things when they are ready.
— Randy Pitchford (@DuvalMagic) February 25, 2019
This is not the first time Pitchford directly confirmed there will be more “Borderlands” game. However, it was obvious at the time that nothing much has been finalized about “Borderlands 3” at the time. “We don't even know if we're going to call it that. We could call it Borderlands 4 for all we know," Pitchford said (via Eurogamer).
Considering the official statements above, it is very possible that “Borderlands 3” has already entered development. Gearbox Software, however, might want to build the game until it is close to completion before making any grand announcements including a release date window.