When Gearbox Software lifted the lid on its expansive, comprehensive Borderlands: The Handsome collection, the first entry in the beloved series, one which introduced a whole new breed of shooter, was conspicuous by its absence.
Bundling together the second numerical entry and last year’s Pre-Sequel — not to mention each and every content pack — the compilation was met with fevered glee from fans of the meta franchise, who welcomed its imminent arrival on current-gen consoles with open arms. That said, there were some who questioned whether the first game would ever receive a similar treatment.
During the studio’s presentation at PAX South over the weekend, Gearbox Software’s head honcho Randy Pitchford was asked that exact question, where he answered by saying that he “doesn’t want to announce things anymore unless he knows for a fact they are going to happen.” But, Pitchford did offer a lifeline to Borderlands by stating that “it’d be awesome to get that on next-gen sometime,” and that such a feat largely depends on the success of the aforementioned Handsome Collection.
“If The Handsome Collection is wildly successful, that increases the chances that that investment can be made,” Pitchford confirmed.
In related news, the same event brought word of Gearbox preparing to kickstart development on the next installment in the FPS series, which we assume to be the inevitable Borderlands 3. Described as “The Big One,” Pitchford sent out a recruitment call to the talent of the industry with the intent of getting the wheels in motion — though don’t expect the third numerical entry until 2016 at the earliest.
To sate your appetite, Borderlands: The Handsome Collection will become available for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One on March 24. But tell us, are you disappointed that the first game in the series didn’t receive the HD treatment? Let us know below.