Key Takeaways
1. Launch Date and Gun Variety: Borderlands 4 is set to launch on September 12, featuring over 30 billion guns due to advanced procedural generation technology.
2. Enhanced Weapon Customization: Players can personalize their weapons more extensively by swapping out various parts, unlike the limited customization in Borderlands 3.
3. Cross-Pollination of Parts: The new Licensed parts system allows players to mix components from different manufacturers, creating unique weapon combinations.
4. Creative Development Process: The development team utilized Unreal Engine to visualize and design the vast array of gun parts and ensure compatibility.
5. Loot Grind and Unique Weapon Names: The game maintains the loot grind experience, with unique names and character infused into each weapon offered by different manufacturers.
Gearbox Software is gearing up for the launch of Borderlands 4 on September 12, boasting a staggering total of over 30 billion guns. This impressive variety comes from a blend of procedural generation and a fresh weapon customization feature.
A New Era of Weapons
Adam May, the Art Director for Borderlands 4, insists that the claim of 30 billion guns is no exaggeration. He attributes this to the game’s “advanced” procedural generation technology. In a post by Epic Games, May states, “There are more than 30 billion guns to try out in Borderlands 4,” highlighting the vast options players will have.
Customization Like Never Before
In Borderlands 4, players have the ability to personalize their weapons by swapping out parts like barrels, attachments, sights, and magazines. This is a significant upgrade from Borderlands 3, where customization was limited to adding trinkets and skins.
The game now features a new Licensed parts system, which facilitates the use of components from various manufacturers. The developers refer to this innovative feature as “cross-pollination.” Players can select from a variety of manufacturers such as Jakobs, Daedalus, Order, Ripper, Vladof, Torgue, Tediore, and Maliwan.
Unique Combinations
As an example, you might find a Daedalus underbarrel attached to a Maliwan shotgun, creating interesting combinations that are both functional and visually striking.
May elaborates, “Players recognize when they pick up a weapon from a certain manufacturer and have a general understanding of its functionality.”
The Creative Process
Jimmy Barnett, serving as Principal Artist and Art Director, played a crucial role in this creative endeavor. Anthony Nicholson, the head of Borderlands 4 development, explained that Barnett developed a “wall of guns” using Unreal Engine. Nicholson added:
“It was a massive gun map showcasing all the individual parts of each gun from every manufacturer. It helped visualize how these components could fit together–the slides, animations, actions, and artwork all aligning.”
He further noted that if a gun operates in a specific way, certain parts might not be compatible, such as a long barrel being attached incorrectly.
Continuous Exploration
For those interested in how gameplay unfolds, the loot grind remains a fundamental aspect of the Borderlands experience. Players will be on a constant journey of discovering, utilizing, swapping out, and discarding weapons as they navigate the world of Kairos.
Additionally, the narrative team for Borderlands 4 has enhanced the weapon system by giving unique names to the weapons and infusing a distinctive character into each corporation’s offerings.
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