TheBorderlandsseries and the cozy gaming genre seem like worlds apart, but they could be a far better fit than one would think at first glance. While both have proven to be fun thanks to their sheer success, the kinds of fun present could not be more different in most cases. However, the gaming industry is always in need of innovative new ideas, even ones that may not seem like they make sense at first. There’s a lot of potential fun that could come from a cozyBorderlandstitle, as unusual as the concept may sound.
Thanks to the promising genre of cozy gaming, the face of gaming has been evolving to showcase more ways to have fun, and opened the door for new players to join in. Sometimes players don’t need an action-packed adventure or quick combat session, and just want something relaxing to unwind with. Games likeStardew ValleyandAnimal Crossinghelp to provide that. These games often have low stress and relaxed deadlines, letting the player take things at their own pace. Cozy games have proven successful, and more should be expected in the coming years.
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Borderlands Could Plausibly Take a More Laid-Back Approach in a Spin-Off
Thanks to the manyclassic characters inBorderlands, the series has one of the most animated universes in the shooter genre. The playable roster ranges from calm Siren Maya to the chaotic berserker Krieg, and even the NPCs include the ranks of the sultry Mad Moxxi and ultra-enthusiastic Mr. Torgue. With a collection of memorable quest-givers and Vault Hunters,Borderlandsis certainly not lacking in charm or character, and could be an example for other shooter games to learn from. A strong sense of character is one ofBorderlands' strong suits, and it could also lay the groundwork for a surprisingly cozy futureBorderlandstitle.
Even though thewild action of theBorderlandsgamesis the series' primary calling card, there’s potential to try something new. For example, the player could be in charge of starting an outpost outside of Sanctuary, and take on aBorderlands-themed approach to typical cozy game activities. The player could hunt Skags for food, resources, and safety. They could scavenge scrap metal to build houses and buildings for the outpost’s inhabitants, and learn how to make new gear and gadgets to upgrade their outpost. There could even be chances for players to interact withBorderlands' more famous figures through minigames or dialogue.
There’s already evidence that a lighter story can work in theBorderlandsworld thanks toTiny Tina’s Wonderlands' fantasy RPG campaign. Even with the Dragon Lord breaks the story, his threat never actually extends beyond the realm of Tina’s tabletop game. That combined withWonderlands' T rating and even goofier sense of humor shows that theBorderlandsstyle can still thrive even if it takes a softer approach. The fun characters and interesting setting are already present for the developers to work with. With those building blocks in place, figuring out how to work them into a more relaxed framework is the next step.
There’s a lot to like about theBorderlandsworld even beyond the wild gunfights, and even though thewait forBorderlands 4’s releasemay be long, that doesn’t mean that Gearbox can’t do anything else with the series. A more chill outing with theBorderlandsgang could be a good palate cleanser to hold players over until the next main series title, and even a fun treat for longtime fans who want to try something different.Borderlandsmay be a weird choice for a cozy gaming title, but the idea could be a surprisingly plausible one if approached right.
