The story of Borderlands' last-minute art style change is a fascinating one, and it highlights the importance of trusting your instincts in the gaming industry. Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick's decision to approve the switch from a realistic art style to a cel-shaded, cartooney one cost the company an extra $50 million and a year of development time. But without this bold move, the now-successful franchise might have flopped straight out the gate.
Zelnick's trust in the developers at Gearbox was rewarded with a new hit franchise. He had to overcome initial skepticism and financial constraints, but his decision to support the change was a testament to his faith in the team's vision. The art style switch was a risky move, but it paid off, as the Borderlands series has now sold over 100 million units, with Borderlands 3 being the fastest-selling title in 2K's publishing history.
However, the process wasn't without its challenges. Borderlands 4 creative director Graeme Timmins, who was the lead level designer on the original Borderlands, thought the idea was "f***ing insane." The team had to rebuild the game from scratch, which caused a great deal of stress and intense work. Despite the initial skepticism, the art style switch ultimately contributed to the franchise's success, as it helped to differentiate the game and attract a wider audience.
In my opinion, this story highlights the importance of taking risks in the gaming industry. Sometimes, it's necessary to make bold decisions, even if they seem crazy at first. Trusting your developers and their creative vision can lead to incredible results. The Borderlands franchise's success is a testament to that.
What's next for the franchise remains to be seen. Borderlands 5 seems like an obvious next step, but sales haven't met expectations. The future of the series is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the art style switch was a pivotal moment that helped shape the franchise's destiny.
