The first Borderlands was a surprise hit for both developer Gearbox and for publisher 2K Games, and the delivery of a solid second title meant that the two companies now had a franchise on their hands, one which had the potential to create a long-term and safe revenue stream for both.

The launch of the new Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, which was created by a new team at 2K Australia rather than the original studio, shows that their cautious approach to expanding the universe has both advantages and some problems and might run contrary to what made the series a success in the first place.

The current experience is very, very good when it comes to preserving the main features of the original and the art style that has come to define it, while also innovating around the edges, with elements like oxygen and gravity.

The most innovative element is the way playing as Claptrap introduces randomness to a video game genre that has long relied on offering gamers predictable skills so that they can actively plan how to approach a combat situation.

Borderlands might not have a clear future

The Pre-Sequel is too careful not to change anything too crucial to the Borderlands series and that has drawn criticism from some of those who have picked up the title, and 2K Australia was also targeted for the smaller length of the campaign.

At the moment, all info points to the fact that Gearbox, the original creator, is at the moment focused on entirely new universes and projects and might not return as a core development team for a few years.

This means that 2K Games will ask other third-party teams to expand the franchise, probably with new areas to explore and a new cast of characters.

Regardless of who gets selected, they need to resist the urge of playing it safe in order to appeal to the already-established fan base.

Giving the community more of the same might have worked with The Pre-Sequel, but the involved companies need to deliver some innovative elements in order to secure a clear future for the franchise.

After all, Borderlands became a success because it was irreverent and walked right over some of the core ideas of the first-person shooter genre, with Gearbox having the courage to also introduce its unique art style on top of all other changes.

The series needs to keep making interesting and big changes in order to continue to sell well.