The live-service model for gaming has become an increasingly popular goal for game developers in the last few years, with several major studios looking to either publish or develop their own ongoing titles. Now, it looks like Borderlands developerGearbox Entertainment is looking to expand into the realm of live-service games, according to a new job posting by the company.
While the title and responsibilities don't make the specific claim that Gearbox is looking to expand into the live-service market, it does mention wanting to provide continued support for games post-launch. It could be said that Borderlands 3 did receive a decent amount of live development from Gearbox after release, but the DLCs and seasonal events seen in that title weren't quite the same level as other live-service games like Destiny 2 or Fortnite.
The job posting is for the position of Lead Live Game Designer, as in a lead position for the design and development of post-launch content for a live game. This would come with the responsibilities of hiring and training assistant designers, as well as working with the community to understand what players enjoy about a game in order to continue bringing quality content that respects those fan desires. All of this is to say that the position goes beyond following a roadmap for pre-planned Borderlands DLC, but would instead require an evolving development that would grow and change based on player behavior.
It should be noted that the term "live development" within the industry, however, is a broad term that could be related to an ongoing live-service, or a series of separately developed DLC. One prime example of this being IO Interactive's Hitman World of Assassination trilogy, which underwent a live development while implementing new levels into each game over the course of several years. So, this position could be for a live-service game, or for the more structured development that players are used to on future projects like introducing new dungeons or updating character customization in Tiny Tina's Wonderland.
With no games mentioned by name, it is also difficult to determine exactly where Gearbox Entertainment is planning on focusing this new Lead Live Game Designer. It is already late in development for this position to be intended for the recently gone gold title Tiny Tina's Wonderland opening up the possibility for a new IP or a future installment in one of Gearbox's successful franchises. Either way, considering the company's history with story and loot focused gameplay, the live-service model could be a strong fit for either the next Borderlands or a new series altogether.
