In a revealing interview, Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Take-Two Interactive, disclosed the financial and time investments made in redesigning the art style of the original Borderlands game. This far-reaching decision, which took a year of development and cost $50 million, was made just two months before the planned release date. Zelnick emphasized that without this crucial step, Borderlands would not have enjoyed the success it has since achieved.
The original artistic vision for Borderlands
Originally, Borderlands was intended to feature a dark and gray visual style that was popular in many shooter games at the time. However, this design decision was called into question when doubts arose about the distinctiveness and appeal of the original style. The developers took the bold step of fundamentally changing the game’s look and giving it the iconic comic-book aesthetic that ultimately became its defining feature.
Risk and Reward: Take-Two’s Decision
The decision to change Borderlands’ art style carried significant risk. At the time, Take-Two had limited financial resources, making the decision all the more risky. According to Zelnick, it was far from obvious that this dramatic turnaround was the right move. “No one else in the industry would have done that,” he commented. Despite the immense costs, this redesign proved crucial to the series’ success.
Long-term impact on the Borderlands series
Borderlands’ new art style not only saved the original game but also established itself as a distinctive hallmark of the entire series. The comic-book aesthetic contributes significantly to the popularity and identity of the Borderlands series and has proven extremely popular with fans. This stylistic decision paved the way for future releases and laid the foundation for the brand’s continued success.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the redesign impact the success of Borderlands?
The stylistic redesign gave Borderlands a unique look that was crucial to its success and set the series apart from other shooters.
What were the costs associated with the redesign?
The change in art style cost Take-Two $50 million and an additional year of development time.
Why was the original style of Borderlands insufficient?
The original style was perceived as not sufficiently distinctive or appealing, which led the developers to choose a more unique look.
