When it comes to the world of video games, there are few franchises more known for their irreverent humor and over-the-top antics than the Borderlands series. With its unique blend of post-apocalyptic action and crude, oftentimes juvenile humor, the games have managed to carve out a loyal following over the years.
However, it appears that the developers at Gearbox are looking to take a different approach with the upcoming installment, Borderlands 4. In a recent statement, the company revealed that they would be scaling back on the toilet humor that has become a hallmark of the series.
This news may come as a surprise to fans who were expecting more of the same off-color jokes and gags that made Borderlands 3 such a hit. The game was, at times, a non-stop barrage of fart jokes and other scatological humor that may have elicited eye-rolls from some players but undoubtedly left others in stitches.
It's clear that Gearbox is aiming for a slightly more mature tone with Borderlands 4. In fact, one developer was quoted as saying that if the word 'skibidi' – a slang term made famous by a viral internet meme – were to ship in the game, they would 'cry real tears.' This statement suggests a genuine desire on the part of the developers to create a more refined and less puerile gaming experience.
But what does this mean for the series as a whole? Is Borderlands 4 going to lose some of the charm that made its predecessors so beloved? Or will this new approach attract a whole new audience who may have been turned off by the previous games' more juvenile humor?
Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – the decision to scale back on toilet humor is a bold one, and it will be interesting to see how fans respond when the game is finally released.