2022’sTiny Tina’s Wonderlandswas a smaller-scale spin-off to the Borderlands franchise that landed with some success. A follow-up to theTiny Tina’s Assault on Dragon Keepexpansion toBorderlands 2,Tiny Tina’s Wonderlandsdid quite well for publisher Take-Two, who revealed that its sales exceeded expectations. It’s fair to assume that a game like this would get a follow-up of some kind, but the odds appear stacked against it now.
Rumors have come about which suggest that an unannouncedsequel toTiny Tina’s Wonderlandswas quietly canceledby Gearbox. Naturally, as Gearbox never officially announced the game, this is news that should be taken with a grain of salt. Still, while it would be fairly sad if aTiny Tina’s Wonderlandssequel never came to pass, it could be beneficial for developer Gearbox to move forward with something else.
Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands 2’s Cancelation May Be For The Best
Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands' DLC Debacle Is Still Fresh
While it was a fairly well-received game at its initial launch - so much so that Gearbox CEORandy Pitchford hinted at more potential content-Tiny Tina’s Wonderlandssaw heavy criticism for its post-launch content. The downloadable content added to the game was far too short - especially for the price that Gearbox was selling it at - and lacked the depth that Gearbox’s past expansions had been known for. The lone new class and four new quests felt tacked on and failed to justify the $30 asking price of the season pass.
Gearbox’s approach to post-launch content withTiny Tina’s Wonderlandsonly served to spoil the positive momentum that the game had going for it following its successful launch. Thus, a sequel would inevitably be approached with some level of skepticism, andtheWonderlandsDLC controversy is still fresh enoughthat it could soil a lot of excitement for a new game. Thus, it may be best for Gearbox to leaveTiny Tina’s Wonderlandswhere it is and focus on new projects.
Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands 2 Might Take Some Focus Away From Borderlands 4
The cancelation of aTiny Tina’s Wonderlandssequel may also be for the best because it never quite needed a sequel. While the game was a refreshingly different take on theBorderlandsformula, it was nevertheless a spin-off to the series that didn’t meaningfully expand on the franchise’s universe. In a lot of ways,Tiny Tina’s Wonderlandsfelt like a stopgap game to fill in some space while Gearbox was preparing a bigger release.
WithBorderlands 4finally getting an official revealand 2025 release window, it will surely be Gearbox’s biggest priority. A brand-new mainline title will bring Gearbox more momentum than a sequel to a spin-off, and anticipation has naturally built in the five years sinceBorderlands 3’s release. Thus, it’s for the best that Gearbox re-centers itself onBorderlands 4, instead of trying to juggle it with aTiny Tina’s Wonderlandssequel.
Gearbox Could Benefit From Giving Other IPs Some Shine
It could also be said that aTiny Tina’s Wonderlandssequel could end up feeling indicative of Gearbox’s reliance onBorderlandsas an IP. Despite owningfranchises such asBrothers in ArmsandDuke Nukem, much of Gearbox’s recent in-house titles have been in theBorderlandsseries. Sure,Borderlandsis its flagship franchise, but it may be worthwhile to give it a little rest afterBorderlands 4and focus on some of its dormant IPs.
WithBorderlands 4finally getting an official reveal and 2025 release window, it will surely be Gearbox’s biggest priority.
WhileTiny Tina’s Wonderlandswas a good game, its post-launch content left a very sour taste in gamers’ mouths thatGearbox is still trying to wash out. Thus, a sequel might be asking for a little too much at this current point in time. While the potential sequel’s cancelation is certainly sad for fans of the spin-off, it may be for the best if Gearbox wants to put its best foot forward and earn back the trust of its players.
Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands
WHERE TO PLAY
Embark on an epic adventure full of whimsy, wonder, and high-powered weaponry. Bullets, magic and broadswords collide across this chaotic fantasy world brought to life by the unpredictable Tiny Tina. Roll your own multiclass hero and loot, shoot, slash and cast your way through outlandish monsters and loot-filled dungeons on a quest to stop the tyrannical Dragon Lord. Tiny Tina is your disorderly guide through an extraordinary tabletop realm where rules rarely apply. Explore a vast overworld spanning majestic cities, dank mushroom forests, foreboding fortresses and more! Joining you at the table are headstrong captain Valentine and rule-obsessed robot Frette. During your quest to defeat the Dragon Lord, you’ll meet a cast of lovable misfits like a lute-wielding Bardbarian and your very own Fairy Punchfather. Everyone’s welcome, so join the party, throw on your adventuring boots and be Chaotic Great!
