Tue Apr 29 15:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Borderlands 4’s Surprise Early Release Throws Wrench in Holiday Game Schedule
**New York, NY** – Gearbox Software’s unexpected decision to move up the release date of *Borderlands 4* by nearly two weeks, from September 23rd to September 12th, 2025, has sent ripples through the video game industry, particularly impacting the anticipated release of Rockstar Games’ *Grand Theft Auto VI*.
The announcement, initially made via a since-deleted video by Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford, raises significant questions about the timing of *GTA VI*, widely rumored to launch in Fall 2025. The earlier *Borderlands 4* release date removes what many considered a safe launch window for other titles, potentially creating a crowded and competitive October release period.
This shift particularly impacts PlayStation’s *Ghost of Yotei*, slated for October 2nd. With *Borderlands 4* now launching earlier and *GTA VI* expected soon after, *Ghost of Yotei* could find itself overshadowed by the industry giants. Other major titles, including *Call of Duty*, have yet to announce release dates, likely awaiting *GTA VI*’s official announcement to avoid direct competition.
While some, such as the author of this article, welcome the extra time between *Borderlands 4* and *Marathon*’s September 23rd launch, the industry is bracing for a potential battle for holiday sales dominance. The move by Gearbox is seen by some as a sign of things to come, indicating that Take-Two Interactive, the parent company of both Gearbox and Rockstar Games, isn’t afraid to aggressively position its titles regardless of the impact on competitors. The timing of *GTA VI*’s release remains uncertain, but this unexpected development suggests a fall release, potentially as early as mid-October, is increasingly likely.
First Piper 