Borderlands Creator Matthew Armstrong Leaves Gearbox

[Twinreaper]

 

 

Over the weekend, it has been confirmed  that the creator of the beloved Borderland Franchise has parted ways with developer gearbox in pursuit of other adventures.  The confirmation comes via Matthew's Twitter over the weekend.  Snippet below...

 

 

 

He had spoken also with PC Gamer about his departure and claims his leaving gearbox was not done out of spite, internal issues, franchise direction or any other matter internally, that it was simply just time for him to move on and find the next big thing.  His leaving is at a non-critical point in the franchise as it is reported that Gearbox only recently started hiring on developers to start work on Borderlands in January, meaning that the creative development process has not even begun yet.  Below is an example job posting over at Gearbox for a Tools developer.  Tools developing is obviously required before any assets can be planned or created.  hence the development process hasn't begun yet.

 

 

So what does this mean for the future of Gearbox and Borderlands?  No doubt many fans of the franchise will be saddened and dismayed by Matt's exit to the beloved game series.  More importantly, this may also lead to a vast array of mixed feelings as to the outcome of the future titles for Borderlands.  Can they succeed without Matthew's direct writing and creative input?  Can we look to the demise of 2k Australia as a sign of things to come for Borderlands out of Matthew's hands?  Only time will tell if Gearbox can continue to pump out quality story and gameplay without it's Flagship titles creator.  And what does this mean for any E3 plans gearbox may have had for 2015?

 

I am sure more news and interviews about this development are sure to follow in the coming days.  As more news about his departure comes in, I will do my best to pass it on.  So 343i Community, what are your thoughts about this news and what do you see for the future of Borderlands?

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[BaconShelf]

I never thought the games were that good anyway, so I don't have less confidence in them.

[Unease Peanut]

I don't get why people are always looking for "the next big thing" you're a dev for a franchise with millions of fans for crying out loud! How is anything going to be bigger than that?!

I guess we'll never really know.

Luckely there's still some people working at Gearbox that can continue working on Borderlands, I'm sure this departure won't impact it to a point where it goes to hell. Still... Bummer.

 

Thanks for sharing the news Twin!

[Ash]

I don't get why people are always looking for "the next big thing" you're a dev for a franchise with millions of fans for crying out loud! How is anything going to be bigger than that?!

 

If someone can create and sustain a great franchise, then why not go out and try to create another?

 

I wouldn't complain, considering we might be playing his next creation in the next 5 years, along with millions of others.

 

It's sad to see him go, but I personally look more forward to his future work as I never was a fan of Borderlands.

[Unease Peanut]

If someone can create and sustain a great franchise, then why not go out and try to create another?

 

 

Because it's risky and might backfire completely.

It's not guaranteed that the "next big thing" is going to be a success.

[Composite Armour]

Sometimes they want to try and create their own project. Hierarchy of needs and all that.

[Ash]

Because it's risky and might backfire completely.

It's not guaranteed that the "next big thing" is going to be a success.

 

True.

 

To put it simply, just because someone makes something great, doesn't mean they want to work on it for the rest of their life. People just get bored, follow new ideas. And at this point, I'm more interested to see what he does next, rather than see a new Borderlands.

[Fishy]

The franchise is going to be fine, despite his leave. The whole concept of it is just fun and giggles. I really don't think this will affect it at all. The games entertainment and fun. Losing Matthew Armstrong may be a tragic loss, but look at 343 Industries. They lost Martin O'Donnel but the franchise is still going strong! We'll see where this goes at E3. Thanks for sharing to those it concerns, Twin.

[Caboose The Ace]

^

Marty went with Bungie anyway.....

 

A music composer is no where near as vital as one of Borderlands creators'.

[Melody]

I'm saddened by this news. I love Borderlands.. I don't believe this will stop Gearbox on making another Borderlands game, but it might be different without him. :/ I still think they will succeed and continue to make Borderlands, although they will need new creative ideas. That's all. :/