Borderlands 4 Launch Brought Forward, Challenges GTA 6

Gearbox's highly anticipated FPS Borderlands 4 will launch 11 days earlier than originally scheduled, as revealed by studio head Randy Pitchford in what appears to be an accidentally leaked video announcement.

The looter-shooter sequel was initially set for September 23 but has been moved up to September 12, with releases planned for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo's forthcoming Switch 2.

In the footage, an enthusiastic Pitchford stated: "Development is exceeding all expectations. The game is fantastic, the team is firing on all cylinders, so we're adjusting the launch date for Borderlands 4. We're bringing it forward to September 12."

"This is unprecedented, folks! A release date moving early instead of delayed! You'll be playing Borderlands 4 sooner than expected!" The executive also confirmed a dedicated PlayStation State of Play showcase for the title is coming soon.

Industry analysts are speculating whether this surprising schedule change relates to avoiding competition with Rockstar's GTA 6, currently slated for Fall 2025. With Take-Two Interactive overseeing both franchises, corporate strategists may be optimizing release windows.

Notably, Take-Two's ownership extends across all parties involved - publisher 2K Games (Borderlands), Rockstar Games (GTA), and developer Gearbox. With CEO Strauss Zelnick overseeing the portfolio, there's clear motivation to space out major titles. This early Borderlands 4 release could suggest GTA 6 will now target later in Fall 2025 or possibly even early 2026.

With Borderlands 4's new September launch date, GTA 6 likely won't release in August or September. This leaves October through December 2025 as potential windows - though the summer 2025 launch of Mafia: The Old Country (another 2K title) further complicates Take-Two's release calendar.

When questioned about potential product cannibalization in February, Zelnick emphasized strategic scheduling: "We plan releases carefully to give players adequate time with each major title. Hit games actually benefit the entire industry ecosystem."

The CEO acknowledged possible GTA 6 delays, stating: "While we're confident about Fall 2025, any absolute guarantees risk tempting fate in game development." This measured response leaves room for potential schedule adjustments as development progresses.