Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick revealed that the original Borderlands underwent a costly art style overhaul late in development. The decision added a year of development time and cost $50 million.
Late development art overhaul
Zelnick said that the game was nearly finished when the head of the division approached him with concerns about the art style. The division head argued that the style was not appropriate and not differentiated, and proposed remaking the game.
Zelnick initially hesitated but ultimately supported the decision after doing his homework. He noted that the company had limited capital at the time and the release schedule had already been announced.
The Borderlands series has sold over 100 million units. Zelnick stated that had he not approved the overhaul, Borderlands would not have become a hit.
Zelnick recounted the story in an interview with David Senra and on a GDC panel.
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