Amidst a rocky pre-release period filled with controversies, Borderlands 4 appears to be positioning itself for success at an opportune moment. As Gearbox's flagship looter shooter franchise seeks to reclaim its dominance in the genre following the mixed response to its third installment, the upcoming release might benefit from Destiny 2's current struggles. While Borderlands 4 has faced its own share of criticism regarding pricing and system requirements, the timing could work in its favor as competitor Bungie stumbles.

The recent confirmation that Borderlands 4 will retail for $70 alleviated some fan concerns, though CEO Randy Pitchford's handling of the pricing discussion and 2K's controversial terms of service updates continue to generate debate. These issues notwithstanding, the current landscape in the looter shooter genre might create favorable conditions for Borderlands 4's September launch.

Bungie's Destiny franchise, long considered Borderlands' primary competitor in the looter shooter space, has been struggling to maintain player engagement. The recent Edge of Fate expansion has become the worst-performing Destiny 2 update to date, attracting less than a third of the player count seen during previous expansions. This significant drop suggests growing dissatisfaction among the game's eight-year-old community, presenting a potential opportunity for Gearbox to capture disillusioned players.

Technical issues have compounded Destiny 2's problems, with multiple bugs plaguing the Edge of Fate expansion, including game-crashing errors. While post-update glitches aren't uncommon, their frequency has exacerbated existing player frustrations. This perfect storm of discontent could position Borderlands 4 favorably when it launches later this year.

Observant fans have noted that Borderlands 4 shares several gameplay elements with Destiny 2, potentially making the transition between games smoother for migrating players. While Destiny 2 could theoretically recover before September, and not all its players may switch franchises, the current circumstances create a promising opening for Gearbox to attract a substantial player base at launch.