Job listings for Gearbox Software reveal ongoing work on one or multiple projects that could include a new Borderlands, a new IP, or both. Gearbox Software is best known for its ever-popular Borderlands franchise. Gearbox is also known for experimenting with new IP or licensed projects where it's able, though. Aliens: Colonial Marines, Battleborn, and Penn & Teller VR are just some examples. What it's working on next remains a complete mystery, though.
In May 2022, Gearbox parent company Embracer made a surprising announcement, stating that the Borderlands developer had an impressive 9 different games in development. Those projects likely include Gearbox-published releases. Games including Hyper Light Breaker, Homeworld 3, Risk of Rain Returns, and Remnant 2 are all planned for release in 2023. But as for in-house projects from Gearbox, there have been no recent announcements.
Multiple job listings for Gearbox's international studios have been listed recently hinting at plans for the studio's future. One especially intriguing position for a Game Designer at Gearbox's Montreal studio states blankly that a new AAA IP is being made. This AAA IP will feature progression-focused loot and equipment, but also crafting. It may not be a Borderlands game, but it will be within the same wheelhouse.
While there are multiple listings referencing a new AAA IP, there are also multiple listings that could also be referring to a new Borderlands game being made at Gearbox. A Lead Mission Designer listing is for a AAA FPS game and asks explicitly for understanding of the Borderlands franchise and its mechanics. This project is likely separate from the new AAA IP referenced in other listings, though that isn't explicitly stated.
Gearbox has, historically, focused on one major game release at a time, with second ongoing projects being smaller in scale. For example, New Tales from the Borderlands being made alongside Tiny Tina's Wonderlands, or Penn & Teller VR alongside Borderlands 3. It's also historically developed major DLC for previous projects as its new projects ramp up. Perhaps Gearbox is shifting all resources to two separate major games, or perhaps the new IP is smaller in scale than the Borderlands-related title.
The AAA FPS doesn't have to be Borderlands 4, of course. It could be Tiny Tina's Wonderlands 2. Gearbox has already said the spin-off game will be getting sequels. The new AAA IP doesn't have to be entirely new, either. Fans of Borderlands will just have to see what Gearbox has in store, though they will have to be patient. It's only been a year since Tiny Tina's Wonderlands launched. Perhaps Gearbox could make a surprise announcement later this year, but it's just as likely that reveals could be a year or more away.