Origin of Borderlands Visual Style
With Borderlands 4 on the horizon, details about the series’ production are starting to emerge, including the origin of its distinctive visual style. In an interview with GameInformer, Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford revealed the process that led to the creation of the comic book-inspired look that characterizes the franchise.
Transformation of 2D Drawings into 3D Art
The change in visual style for Borderlands came from informal scribbles by Scott Kester, the game’s concept artist, who would draw “illustrated graffiti” during breaks. One of these creations eventually became the character Captain Flynt, setting the stage for the style that would become associated with the series. With Kester and executive producer Brian Martel, May transformed these 2D drawings into 3D art, which was then presented to Pitchford.
Rebuilding Levels and Characters
Gearbox had to rebuild almost all levels and characters from scratch, keeping only Trash Coast and one other level. The effort extended the game’s production time, but ultimately established the visual style for which Borderlands is now recognized.
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