Civilization 7 seemingly leaks ahead of official reveal
What specific details were visible on the leaked banner of Civilization 7 spotted on the 2K website?
The leaked banner of Civilization 7 spotted on the 2K website featured the game's logo and title, along with a "coming soon" message. It also had a "Watch Trailer" button that linked to a private video on YouTube. However, the leaked graphic did not reveal much about the upcoming game, other than possibly hinting at the hexagonal motif, suggesting the game might retain the style it adopted since Civilization V.
What statement did 2K make last month regarding a new game reveal, and how did it influence fan speculation?
Last month, 2K announced that it would reveal a new game in one of its "biggest and most beloved" franchises. This statement led to significant fan speculation about which franchise the new game would belong to. Some fans believed a new Borderlands game was on the way, potentially coinciding with the release of the Borderlands film in August this year1. Others thought it might be a new Mafia game, following Mafia 3 developer Hangar 13's confirmation in August 2022 that they were working on a new project1. Another possibility fans considered was a new BioShock game, as 2K had confirmed years ago that a new entry in the series was in development. However, the recent leak of Civilization 7 suggests that this could be the new game 2K was referring to.
Can you detail the acquisitions and developments that led fans to speculate about a new Borderlands game?
In March 2024, Gearbox Entertainment, the company behind the popular Borderlands series, was acquired by Take-Two Interactive from Embracer Group for $460 million. This acquisition came amidst rumors that had been swirling around Borderlands and Gearbox's status within Embracer Group. As part of the deal, Take-Two acquired the franchises Borderlands, Tiny Tina's Wonderlands, Homeworld, Risk of Rain, Brothers in Arms, and Duke Nukem. Gearbox is now part of Take-Two's 2K division, which has long been a publishing partner of Gearbox and has published the successful Borderlands franchise since the first game in 2009.
Additionally, Take-Two Interactive confirmed that Gearbox was working on a new Borderlands game at the time of the acquisition. Furthermore, Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford has teased Borderlands 4 in the past, stating that the game in development was "the greatest thing we've ever done1."
These acquisitions and statements from key figures within the industry led fans to speculate about the development of a new Borderlands game. The speculation was further fueled by the upcoming release of the Borderlands movie, which is set to premiere on August 9, 2024, and features a star-studded cast, including Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, and Jamie Lee Curtis1.