Gearbox Wants ‘Borderlands 2′ On Vita; ‘Borderlands’ Save Unlocks Skins In Sequel

For many developers, the PlayStation Vita is an attractive platform, as the system’s dual sticks and impressive specs allow it to emulate console gaming experiences. Gearbox Software’s Randy Pitchford has expressed interest in Sony’s handheld, and wants to see Borderlands 2 get a Vita release.

Currently, Borderlands 2 is slated to release on the PS3, Xbox 360, and PC this Fall. However, the Vita’s cross-platform abilities have Pitchford interested in creating a handheld version of the game. There aren’t any technological issues standing in the way, and Pitchford would love to be able to take the character he’s playing on PS3 and pick up where he left off on Vita.

Unfortunately, Gearbox is a bit too busy to develop a Vita port. Pitchford is hoping Sony will help, and even asked the crowd at this year’s Rezzed convention to try and convince Sony to get behind the project. Gearbox has no issue with sharing resources, so perhaps one of Sony’s internal developers will jump at the opportunity – especially considering Sony itself wants more games on Vita.

“Perhaps some of you folks can convince Sony to start that. We’re too busy to develop it ourselves. But I know there are a lot of talented developers who could take our code, our source and our content and perhaps create something like that. That would be exciting to me.”

Even if the game doesn’t get a Vita release, those picking up Borderlands 2 on consoles or PC have something to look forward to. Players with a Borderlands save will be able to unlock extra content in the game’s sequel — specifically, alternate costumes for each of the four character classes.

The costumes are inspired by characters from the original game, such as the Crimson Lance and Eridian enemies. The bonus content is a nice gesture to reward fan loyalty, even if players will only have access to cosmetic changes and not exclusive weapons. Assuming Borderlands 2 does release on Vita, we wonder if players will be able to unlock the costumes using a PS3 save. They might only be costumes, but PS3 owners may be dissuaded from purchasing the Vita version if they’re missing out on extra content.

Borderlands 2 releases September 18, 2012, for the PS3, Xbox 360 and PC.

-

Follow me on Twitter @AnthonyMole.

Source: Eurogamer, Game Informer