Introduction
Like in the world of entertainment, things don’t always go as it should. Recently, this was the case for a successor to Borderlands movie that recently appeared in cinemas and has seen scathing reviews from fans as well as critics. Nevertheless, this unintended effect on Steam has inspired a new outcome —
Borderlands video game sales have surged. So how exactly has this pathway of “course correction,” recently — redirected fans back to the games that stole their hearts in the first place?
This is a large part of why the Borderlands movie was released to an underwhelming box office.
A Film That Could Have Been
Fans have been waiting for the Borderlands movie that just premiered over this past weekend. The film, however, failed to match expectations and was panned by both audiences as well as critics. The film was unable to get the essence of the popular video game series, which showed in its poor box office stunts.
Some Reasons for the Failure of this Movie
The casting of Blanchett was widely praised but the rest of the cast were generally criticized as miscast. To add insult to injury, the cast also lacked chemistry.
Plot Deviation: This was another major failing on the part of creators as many passionate fans wanted to see their beloved characters and storylines played out live.
Creative Differences: After hiring a high-profile writer, director Eli Roth went on to rework the movie. This caused the writer to ask for their credit — again, a pay-the-bills gig! — to be removed.
PG-13 Rating: One of the film’s problems might be that it was held back by trying to avoid a PG rating, holding back on mimicking the mature and irreverent blood bath games.
Borderlands game sales skyrocketed
Returning to the Roots
With the movie bombing, fans can only look back to the Borderlands video games for their off-the-wall humor and over-abundant action they’ve come to expect from this series. This has translated in a noticeable boost of sales for the three main installments on Steam.
How Are the Games Doing So Well
Authentic Experience: The video games provide the real Borderlands experience, full with compelling storylines (featuring humour throughout), iconic characters and a sense of distinct personalities missing from Gearbox’s ill-fated ‘movie property’.
Community Recommendation: Those fans have been preaching the word on social media, causing a domino affect of brand-new popularity and also sales.
– Already Successful: Unlike the films, all of the games have been successes receiving praise from critics and fans alike.
When Adaptations Meet: What We Learned from Other Franchises
Game → Media Success Stories
The Borderlands movie has modest company in that regard. Of course, some games have managed to transition very well into other forms of media — The Last of Us series is a good example. The Last of Us which was adopted into a TV series and Top Gun whose game witnessed greater sales as well. In the same way, good sales for The Witcher series were also seen after its Netflix adaptation went live.
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The Good Stuff from Everyone Else
– Faithful Adaptations: The best adaptations have faced the material and made what worked in those games work again on screen.
– Power Creative Teams: Team up with writers and directors who love the source material can make for a more true adaptation.
Complementary Content — Providing more content (game remakes for example, additional expansions etc) can enrich the experience of fans and create a carrot on stick for upcoming or returning players.
Borderlands Game Series in Detail
Summary of Original Game and Its impact
Pandora first entered gamers’ brains in the original Borderlands game released back in 2009. Thanks to its stylized cel-shaded visuals, irreverent humor and addictive loot-driven gameplay it garnered itself a cult-following.
Borderlands 2: Expanding the Universe
The follow-up to the already terrific media canon known simply as Borderlands, Borderlands 2 took a good thing and ran with it by giving us more characters, better storylines, far deeper locales. Where it stands as one of the most well received entries in a series.
Borderlands 3: A New Skool of Chaos
Borderlands 3, which was released in 2019 and gave the series a triple-A makeover with its fresh new graphics, improved gameplay mechanics and additional features. It maintained its tone of ridiculous action and humor which fans would come to know.
But you know what, the games just offer something irresistible.
For those unfamiliar with the goings-on of Boarderlands take shape, it is distinguished by its unique style (another way to say comedic), fantastic cooperative forcing gameplay and interesting characters. This, in addition to the previous elements I mention below are a big part why both games have ascended back into popularity following the release of this movie.
The Irony of Increased Game Sales
A Reversal of Fortune
Funnily enough, an increase in game sales after the movie came out puts into perspective how opposite these things actually are. Audiences fled the film, looking to return to Hastune and complete her triumphant journey in a medium that keeps continuity together.
An Opportunity for Reflection
If anything, this disparity between the reception of The Movie and enthusiasm for the games has shined a light on what is truly so special about Borderlands. The Road from Raccoon City may have missed the exact nature of these elements, but understanding its core evolution going forward might help future adaptations grab a little more essence along that way.
Wrap-up: The Real Borderlands Experience
Lessons Learned
We are reminded of the impact staying authentic to source material can have, like with Borderlands Sales Boost By Hollywood Movie Story Grit, creative direction and an innate sense of the franchise make adaptations possible.
Looking Forward
But the Borderlands movie, if it falls flat on its face as odds are that is what will happen, would ironically renew interest in the games by reminding fans why they like them. With the randomized weapons being one of the game’s most compelling features, it’s no surprise that it is still a beloved part of gaming today and in generations to come as we approach newer possible releases or adaptions.
Final Thoughts
By perennializing the Borderlands games with high-quality game-play it has guaranteed its survival within the shifting sands of fan dedication.
It helps wash away some of the disappointment that comes with rarely doing anything more than going through the motions, and as players return to Pandora on new-gen consoles they’re reminded why people fell in love with Borderlands at all.
If you’re a lifelong fan or are new to the franchise, there’s no better time than right now to experience Borderlands and really understand what makes these games so special.
[…] Read Also: Borderlands Game Sales Surge on Steam After Movie Flop […]
[…] Read Also: Borderlands Game Sales Surge on Steam After Movie Flop […]
[…] Read also: Sales Surge on Steam After Movie Flop […]