The Borderlands series has quickly become one of the best-selling video game franchises of all time, and it does not seem to be slowing down anytime soon. Players have been whisked away on a hilarious sci-fi adventure across four unique FPS titles, and the franchise has recently delved into the tabletop world with Tiny Tina's Wonderlands and the episodic graphic adventure genre with New Tales from the Borderlands. While some of these titles have deviated immensely from the core Borderlands framework, they should all play an important part in the franchise's future.
Titles like New Tales from the Borderlands let fans see a different side of this franchise and allowed Gearbox to explore events set in-between entries. They may not be on the same level as the main series, but they do help expand the Borderlands franchise in exciting ways. Even if they do not sell as well as other titles, the Tales from the Borderlands series should redefine how Gearbox tells the overarching Borderlands narrative.
Tales from the Borderlands is a Great Way to Set Up the Franchise’s Future
Fans did not know what to expect when it was announced that Telltale Games was going to explore the Borderlands universe with Tales from the Borderlands. The studio was known for telling interesting stories, but Borderlands was known for frantic gunplay above anything else. It seemed like an interesting collaboration, and it seems to have paid off. While it was not perfect, Tales from the Borderlands was a worthy entry to this wacky series.
Tales from the Borderlands told a brand-new story with original characters after the events of Borderlands 2. It followed Hyperion employee Rhys and con-artist Fiona as they tried to open a new vault. It combined Telltale's stellar writing with Gearbox's colorful galaxy for an experience like no other. Many characters from the main series also appeared throughout the story, and it helped show players a new side of this galaxy. Some of the Tales from the Borderlands characters even appeared in Borderlands 3, making this a core part of the franchise's canon.
After Telltale Games closed its doors, it seemed like there would never be another Tales from the Borderlands, but Gearbox had other plans. In 2022, New Tales from the Borderlands took players on a brand-new journey after Borderlands 3. It introduced new characters that called this galaxy home and is mostly a self-contained story. While some events may be setting up the eventual Borderlands 4, fans will not know for sure until that game hits store shelves.
So far, Tales from the Borderlands has not had any major effect on the main series. The stories have dealt with post-Borderlands content and introduced new characters, but they have never directly impacted future titles. They are still relatively self-contained stories within this galaxy, and that does not need to change. Gearbox could continue churning out fun little side adventures through this spin-off series, but it could also do so much more with it if given the chance.
Both Tales from the Borderlands games told new stories in Gearbox's universe while also exploring the ramifications of the main series, and that barely scratches the surface of this spin-off's potential. If the studio ensures the games consistently deliver quality experiences, then the Tales from the Borderlands series could redefine the studio's approach to storytelling. Gearbox could continue to explore more events after major entries, set up future events and major antagonists, show the backstories of iconic characters, or simply explore new corners of this colorful galaxy. Whatever choice Gearbox makes, the Borderlands franchise could be better for it.
New Tales from the Borderlands is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
