Borderlands 3 a Smash Hit Despite Epic Store Controversy
Despite resounding criticism surrounding Epic Games Store exclusivity, Borderlands 3 is a resounding, record-breaking commercial success. | Credit: Christian Petersen/Getty Images/AFP
Despite heavy criticism surrounding Epic Games Store exclusivity, Borderlands 3 is a resounding commercial success, record-breaking even, or so says developer 2K Games.
Record-Breaking Sales
In a press release on parent company Take-Two Interactive’s website, 2K reveals that Borderlands 3 sold 5 million copies in the first five days after launch, 70% of which were digital sales on either PC, PlayStation 4, or Xbox One.
Pre-order figures broke not only records for the Borderlands franchise and 2K Games, but the game is now the most pre-ordered game ever on the Epic Games Store, albeit in its short history.
This secures Borderlands 3 the coveted spot as 2K Games’ fastest-selling franchise to date, batting off heavy hitters like NBA 2K20, also released this month.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Av5Eyx3bGtM
Borderlands 3 Is a Success Despite Epic Store Exclusivity
More interestingly in the context of the exclusivity backlash and pre-loading fiasco that defined much of the run-up to release, Borderlands 3 is the highest-selling 2K game on PC within a five day period. Regardless of motions to boycott the PC release of the game, Borderlands 3 has sold incredibly well via Epic’s store.
So what does this all mean for 2K Games? On the merit of this month’s performance, Borderlands joins the ranks of billion-dollar franchises alongside phenomenons like Grand Theft Auto V and Minecraft. Not a bad achievement for a game widely expected to tank on PC.
When asked about Borderlands 3’s rampant success, 2K president David Ismailer said:
“We are immensely grateful to everyone who played a role in making the Borderlands series the global, pop culture phenomenon that it is today, including hundreds of developers at Gearbox and many who have made this their life’s work. We also want to thank the Borderlands community. Mayhem does not happen by itself, and their passion for the series is what drives us to make each game an amazing experience.”
For developers wary of committing to Epic exclusivity, the Borderlands 3 story is sure to put some minds at ease and, hopefully, allow detractors to ease off on outright shunning the beleaguered store for future high-profile releases.
