Borderlands Fanbase | Are the PC Games Thriving?
Edited By
Emily Johnson
As fans of the Borderlands series gear up for the anticipated BL4 in September, questions arise about the current player population for Borderlands 2, Borderlands 3 GOTY, and Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel on PC. With recent sales, many wonder if they can easily join online communities.
Context on Player Engagement
The Borderlands games have historically attracted a passionate audience. However, their online matchmaking environments differ dramatically across titles. While Borderlands 3 features a controversial crossplay function, the earlier titles lack this feature, leading to varied experiences for players.
Matchmaking Issues
The online play for Borderlands 3 can frustrate players.
One commenter shared,
"The matchmaking system can drop you into undesirable lobbies, often leading to frustration."
Sadly, the absence of a lobby selection option has left many feeling trapped in unwanted gameplay scenarios.
Conversely, Borderlands 2, Borderlands: The Handsome Collection, and The Pre-Sequel allow users to browse public lobbies, making it somewhat easier to connect with others during peak times, particularly evenings and weekends.
One fan stated,
"I can find lobbies almost every weekend; it’s just about being online at the right times."
Time of Year and Regional Differences
Engagement levels fluctuate based on various factors:
Seasonal Trends: Players often see spikes in activity during summer breaks and holidays.
Sales and Promotions: Discounts have proven to boost interest and player counts in these titles consistently.
Interestingly, geographic factors also play a role. A South American player noted,
"I rarely find games with people outside my friend group; it’s a niche crowd."
Yet, European players report a healthier population, indicating a varied experience based on location.
Notable Sentiment from the Community
Many players feel Borderlands 3 is still fun despite the matchmaking issues.
Players express excitement as they revisit older titles in anticipation of the new release.
Some report frequent matchmaking success, especially in Borderlands 2.
Key Points to Consider
🔹 Players generally report a decent online population across PC titles.
🔹 Geographic differences affect matchmaking experiences significantly.
🔹 Anticipation for BL4 has sparked renewed interest in earlier games.
End
With a mix of excitement and challenges in matchmaking, the Borderlands community remains active in anticipation of the next installment. If you’re considering jumping into any of the earlier titles for online play, timing and region will be crucial factors in finding a group.
What Lies Ahead for Borderlands Community
As the Borderlands community looks ahead, there's a strong chance that the upcoming release of BL4 will reignite interest across all titles in the franchise. Experts estimate that player engagement could jump by at least 30% in the month following the new game's launch. With seasonal sales often driving activity, coupled with social media buzz, enthusiasts are likely to explore the earlier games while waiting for fresh content. Current trends suggest that matchmaking issues may persist in Borderlands 3, but the enthusiasm for older titles can offset this frustration. Expect players to flock back to Borderlands 2 and The Pre-Sequel, where they can circumvent some of the current criticisms.
A Glimpse from the Past
This scenario mirrors the resurgence seen with classic films when remakes or sequels hit theaters. Remember how the announcement of a new Star Wars film breathes life back into both old and new fanbases? In those cases, fans rewatched earlier installments while newbies experienced the thrill for the first time. Just like fans of the Borderlands series revisiting the older games now, participants in that film franchise often find themselves discussing beloved characters and plots anew. The cycle of anticipation and activity seems to repeat across different domains in pop culture, reinforcing the interwoven nature of fandom and community engagement.