Borderlands Developer Seeking FPS Level Designer with Open…

Summary

Gearbox Software is looking for a senior FPS level designer with open-world co-op experience for their Frisco, Texas office.
The focus on candidates with Unreal Engine background suggests Gearbox's interest in expanding open-world mechanics in future games.
Speculation about Gearbox's future projects includes the possibility of more expansive open-world and cooperative elements in their games.

The Borderlands developer, Gearbox Software, is actively seeking a senior FPS level designer with experience in open-world co-op games. This new position, based at their office in Frisco, Texas, might fuel speculation about what Gearbox has planned for its future games, given the specific requirements of the role.

Gearbox Software is an American video game development company founded in 1999. Known for creating popular franchises such as Borderlands, Gearbox has developed a reputation for producing high-quality first-person shooters and action role-playing games. The company initially gained prominence by developing expansion packs and porting games like Half-Life to different platforms. Over the years, Gearbox has expanded its portfolio with titles like Brothers in Arms, Duke Nukem Forever, and Battleborn. In 2021, Gearbox was acquired by the Embracer Group, marking a new chapter in its growth and development within the gaming industry, though it was later acquired by Take-Two Interactive in March 2024.

Gearbox is seeking a candidate to join their multidisciplinary Worldbuilding team, tasked with designing and building "major pieces of content." Additionally, candidates should possess a background in Epic Games' Unreal Engine, with a preference for those who have shipped AAA games using Unreal Engine 4. A deep understanding of modern FPS level design techniques and awareness of industry trends are also important requirements for Gearbox. Experience in building open worlds, co-op games, or online games will be given particular consideration, reflecting Gearbox's interest in integrating or expanding open-world mechanics within their FPS titles. Among the key responsibilities for this role is providing crucial support to project and departmental leaders in crafting level design content.

What Could Gearbox's Candidate Search Signify?

Gearbox's focus on candidates with open-world experience indicates a leaning towards creating more expansive and exploratory environments in their upcoming projects. This aligns with the current gaming trend of integrating open-world mechanics to enhance the depth and scale of game worlds. The focus on co-op and online gameplay, reminiscent of the successful cooperative elements in the Borderlands series, implies that Gearbox aims to prioritize multiplayer features, potentially introducing new modes or refining existing ones.

Gearbox may be in the process of developing a new IP that harnesses the candidate's expertise in FPS and open-world design, or they could be significantly evolving their existing franchises. This evolution might entail a novel direction for the already-in-development Borderlands 4, potentially integrating more expansive open-world and cooperative elements. Although Gearbox has not officially confirmed these speculations, the job listing offers intriguing hints about the company's future direction and potential inclinations in their game design approach.

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