Gearbox Entertainment, the company behind the fan-favorite series Borderlands, confirms that it has been acquired by Take-Two Interactive/2K. While this is not necessarily surprising, as rumors have swirled around Borderlands and Gearbox's status within Embracer Group for some time, it does come in the middle of the night, almost literally, for many fans around the world.

The announcement was straightforward: an image posted on Gearbox socials. Founder Randy Pitchford shared as much, commenting that Take-Two Interactive and 2K will help take the company to the next level. Of course, what that means remains to be seen, but part of this announcement is the confirmation that the "next iteration" of the Borderlands franchise is in active development, per Take-Two's release on the matter.

Borderlands-Movie-Every-Major-Character-That-Has-Been-Cast-So-Far-(&-Who-Will-Portray-Them)-C
Borderlands Movie: Every Major Character That Has Been Cast So Far (& Who Will Portray Them)

With some of the Borderlands movie's cast has been revealed, fans can begin discussing just how each of these talented actors will fit into their role

Take-Two/2K has released a statement on the matter, confirming the acquisition with an expected completion date by June 30, 2024. While the statement contains the standard jargon of such a business move, it also brings attention to the active development of Borderlands 4. As 2K president David Ismailer said, "We are thrilled to welcome Randy Pitchford and his team of passionate, talented developers to 2K and we look forward to releasing numerous projects in the future as colleagues. We have loved partnering with Gearbox on every iteration of the Borderlands franchise and are excited to be in active development on the next installment in the series.” Although exact details will likely come to light in the coming days, it's worth noting that this exchange between Take-Two and Embracer was made in the amount of 460 million USD.

Embracer, in this deal, retains certain IPs and companies, including Gearbox Publishing San Francisco, which shall be renamed. It also retains publishing rights to the Remnant franchise, Hyper Light Breaker, and more. Further details, such as what was sold exactly and what was retained, are below via Market Screener.

Gearbox x Take-Two Acquisition Details

  • Take-Two acquires the following:
    • Gearbox Software in Frisco, Texas
    • Gearbox Montreal
    • Gearbox Studio Quebec
    • IPs: Borderlands, Tiny Tina's Wonderlands, Homeworld, Risk of Rain, Brothers in Arms, and Duke Nukem

  • Embracer Group retains the following:
    • Gearbox Publishing San Francisco
    • Cryptic Studios
    • Lost Boys Interactive
    • Captured Dimensions

With this deal, it's worth noting that many such moves have been made by Embracer following its acquisition spree over the past few years. Gearbox is the latest in its ongoing reorganization, but it had previously divided purported KOTOR Remake developer Saber Interactive, issued several lay-offs, and reportedly canceled 30 projects within six months, including one for a new Deus Ex game.

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Borderlands 3 Tag Page Cover Art
Borderlands 3
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8 /10
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Released
September 13, 2019
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WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL
PHYSICAL
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info

The original shooter-looter returns, packing bazillions of guns and an all-new mayhem-fueled adventure! Blast through new worlds and enemies as one of four brand new Vault Hunters – the ultimate treasure-seeking badasses of the Borderlands, each with deep skill trees, abilities, and customization. Play solo or join with friends to take on insane enemies, score loads of loot and save your home from the most ruthless cult leaders in the galaxy.
A MAYHEM-FUELED THRILL RIDE
Stop the fanatical Calypso Twins from uniting the bandit clans and claiming the galaxy’s ultimate power. Only you, a thrill-seeking Vault Hunter, have the arsenal and allies to take them down.
YOUR VAULT HUNTER, YOUR PLAYSTYLE
Become one of four extraordinary Vault Hunters, each with unique abilities, playstyles, deep skill trees, and tons of personalization options. All Vault Hunters are capable of awesome mayhem alone, but together they are unstoppable.
LOCK, LOAD, AND LOOT
With bazillions of guns and gadgets, every fight is an opportunity to score new gear. Firearms with self-propelling bullet shields? Check. Rifles that spawn fire-spewing volcanoes? Obviously. Guns that grow legs and chase down enemies while hurling verbal insults? Yeah, got that too.
NEW BORDERLANDS
Discover new worlds beyond Pandora, each featuring unique environments to explore and enemies to destroy. Tear through hostile deserts, battle your way across war-torn cityscapes, navigate deadly bayous, and more! QUICK & SEAMLESS CO-OP ACTION
Play with anyone at any time online or in split-screen co-op, regardless of your level or mission progress. Take down enemies and challenges as a team, but reap rewards that are yours alone – no one misses out on loot.

ESRB
M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Strong Language
Developer(s)
Gearbox Software
Publisher(s)
2K Games
Engine
Unreal Engine 4
Multiplayer
Online Multiplayer, Online Co-Op, Local Co-Op
Franchise
Borderlands
Genre(s)
First-Person Shooter, Action, RPG
How Long To Beat
25 Hours