Highlights
- The future of the Borderlands franchise is uncertain following rumors of Gearbox potentially being sold, leaving fans questioning what it means for the next game.
- A beloved tradition in the franchise is the Easter egg of Tannis riding a fish, which has become an iconic surprise that players look forward to with each new installment.
- If and when a fourth mainline game is developed, it would be a wise choice for Gearbox to continue the tradition of the Tannis fish Easter egg, as it has become a charming feature of the franchise.
Within the chaotic world of the Borderlands franchise, there are many unexpected moments that have helped make the games some of the most popular titles in the shooter genre. The original introduction of this space Western back in 2009 sparked the beginning of an incredible looter shooter series that is just as fun as it is wild, but there are many questions surrounding the future of Borderlands and what the next chapter in the franchise could hold.
Since recent rumors suggested that Embracer Group is considering selling Gearbox, the studio behind the franchise, there is little known about Borderlands 4, and many fans are wondering what selling Gearbox could mean for the potential game. Although there isn't any official confirmation from Gearbox that Borderlands 4 is even in development, it wouldn't be surprising if there was another chapter in the works at the studio. If a fourth mainline game is indeed being made, it should contain one of the franchise's most beloved gags: Tannis riding a fish.
The Next Borderlands Should Continue a Hilarious Tradition
There are many different reasons why Borderlands has become such a popular franchise among many different gamers. Not only is the gameplay incredibly fun, but the chaotic world that Gearbox has brought to life is a blast to immerse oneself in for hours at a time. The games have a great sense of humor that can take players by surprise when contrasting with the franchise's violence and action. The Tannis Fish is a specific joke in the franchise that has become a long-running gag, and it would be incredibly disappointing to many fans if it was left out of a potential Borderlands 4.
Many players who have been with the franchise for a long time know that the Borderlands games are filled with fun Easter eggs, but a hilariously strange Easter egg has been one of the best features to look forward to in each new installment that Gearbox releases. In every mainline game, developers have given players a surprise in the form of the character Tannis riding a fish in the distance. This Easter egg can only be found in very specific spots in each game and must be activated by doing certain actions in a particular order, but when the hidden feature appears, it's so utterly ridiculous that it's impossible not to laugh.
Borderlands is filled with interesting and well-written characters, but Tannis is a favorite for many players, so seeing the character mount a fish and ride it in the distance might be one of the most shocking Easter eggs in video game history. It's completely unexpected and incredibly absurd that a developer even thought to include it into the game, but it's created a great tradition that many players look forward to with each new entry. Even better, the Tannis Easter egg has gotten slightly more elaborate with every game, and Gearbox would be missing out on a great opportunity to continue a long-running tradition if it left out a feature as funny as the franchise's surprise Tannis cameo.
At this time, there is nothing but speculation surrounding what Gearbox plans to do with Borderlands and the future of the franchise, but if a fourth mainline game eventually sees the light of day, then sticking to this tradition would be a wise choice for the studio. Gearbox has set expectations for many players when it comes to the Easter egg of Tannis riding a fish, and steering away from that established tradition would be a small letdown for those who have been playing the games for years. Although this Easter egg is just a minor feature when looking at the bigger picture, it's become one of the most iconic surprises to be featured in a video game, and it would be great to see the Borderlands tradition live on.