Borderlands 4 will have individual difficulty settings for co-op players

Engadget - May 1st, 2025

Earlier this week, 2K announced that the release date for Borderlands 4 has been moved up to September 12, arriving 11 days earlier than initially planned. This development was accompanied by the release of a new full-length gameplay trailer, offering a fresh look at the latest installment in Gearbox's popular series. One notable feature revealed is the introduction of individual difficulty settings in co-op multiplayer, allowing players to select different levels of challenge while still participating in a seamless gaming experience. This feature caters to diverse player skills, enabling less experienced players to enjoy the game alongside seasoned veterans without feeling overwhelmed.

The announcement was further elaborated in a State of Play presentation by creative director Graeme Timmins and senior project producer Anthony Nicholson, who shared an in-depth 20-minute overview of the game. The presentation covered the intricate details of the gameplay, including how players will navigate and battle across the setting of Kairos and confront the antagonist known as the Timekeeper. These insights not only highlight the innovative features of Borderlands 4 but also signify Gearbox's commitment to enhancing player engagement and satisfaction. The early release and new features are likely to build anticipation and excitement among fans, potentially influencing the game's reception and success in the competitive gaming market.

Video Game Release Borderlands 4 2 K Gearbox Software Gameplay Trailer Co Op Multiplayer Graeme Timmins Anthony Nicholson

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

5.0

Moderately Fair

Read with skepticism

The article provides a timely update on the upcoming release of Borderlands 4, capturing the interest of its target audience with details about new gameplay features and a release date change. However, the article's accuracy and source quality are moderate due to a lack of verifiable sources and transparency about the information's origins. While the article is clear and engaging for readers familiar with the gaming industry, it lacks balance and diverse perspectives, primarily presenting a promotional view of the game's release. Overall, the story serves as an informative piece for fans but requires additional verification for some claims to enhance its credibility.

Accuracy

The article provides several factual claims about the release of Borderlands 4, such as the adjusted release date and new gameplay features. While the release date change is confirmed by multiple sources, the claim about individual difficulty settings in co-op multiplayer is not verified. The article mentions a State of Play presentation, but does not provide specific details about its content or the involvement of the mentioned individuals, making these aspects less verifiable. The overall accuracy is moderate due to some claims lacking corroboration.

Balance

The article focuses primarily on the game's features and release details, potentially limiting the breadth of perspectives. It does not explore any potential criticisms or alternative views about the game's development or features, which could provide a more balanced view. The lack of diverse viewpoints suggests a moderate level of balance, as the article seems to present the information from a promotional standpoint.

Clarity

The language and structure of the article are generally clear, with a straightforward presentation of the game's features and release details. The article effectively communicates the excitement around the game's release, although some technical terms related to gameplay might not be easily understood by all readers. Overall, the article maintains a neutral tone and logical flow.

Source quality

The article does not cite sources or provide direct quotes from authoritative figures or official announcements. The absence of explicit source attribution diminishes the perceived reliability of the information. While the article mentions a State of Play presentation, it does not specify where this information was obtained or how it was verified, impacting the overall source quality.

Transparency

The article lacks transparency in terms of sourcing and methodology. It does not disclose how the information was gathered or the potential biases of the sources used. The absence of context or explanation about the basis of the claims makes it challenging for readers to assess the reliability of the information presented.