Hey friend, let‘s explore why it‘s called the pre-sequel
How‘s it going? Terry here, back to nerd out with you about the latest gaming discoveries. Today, we‘re going deep on why Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel has such a funky name. Strap in for this wild ride into sequel naming conventions!
First, let‘s recap the Borderlands timeline so we‘re on the same page:
- Borderlands (2009) – The OG looter shooter
- Borderlands 2 (2012) – Vault hunting with Handsome Jack as the big bad
- The Pre-Sequel (2014) – Fills in the gap between 1 and 2
- Borderlands 3 (2019) – Post-Handsome Jack adventures
So Pre-Sequel is set between 1 and 2, but came out after 2. Weird right? Let‘s break down why Gearbox went with "pre-sequel" and what it means.
It‘s a sequel AND a prequel – crazy!
Most games are either a prequel or a sequel, but not both! Pre-Sequel is unique in that the bulk of the game is a prequel to Borderlands 2 since it shows how Jack took over Hyperion. Buuuut, it‘s also a sequel because the intro and ending with Athena are set after Borderlands 2. Trippy!
So Gearbox got creative by mashing up "prequel" and "sequel" into one wacky Frankenword – "pre-sequel!" This signals that it‘s a sequel to the franchise, but the events precede the existing numbered sequel. Mind blown!
More specific than saying interquel
Some folks suggested calling Pre-Sequel an "interquel" since it‘s sandwiched between two games. But that‘s pretty vague – there are a few Borderlands games it could fit between.
"Pre-sequel" makes it super clear this game leads directly into Borderlands 2, without having to constantly reference that sequel by name. Gearbox avoided confusion and gave us the exact timeline positioning in two words!
Way better than 1.5
Okay real talk friend, would you have bought a game called "Borderlands 1.5"? Kinda weird right? The pre-sequel name let Gearbox cleanly fit this into the franchise without convoluted numbers like 1.25 or 1.5 cluttering up the series.
It maintains the gorgeous simplicity of the main Borderlands numbering. So smart to stick with catchy names rather than decimal titles!
Hints at origins of Borderlands 2
Gearbox knew we‘d be hyped to see the backstory that sets up the epic Borderlands 2. Calling it the "pre-sequel" was a clever way to hint we‘ll learn how Handsome Jack, Helios, and other elements came to be before the next numbered entry.
It‘s like a code only true Borderlands fans would understand! It planted the seeds about witnessing the precursors to the biggest Borderlands game yet.
Shows awareness of other games
Most prequels feel disconnected from the main series since they take place first chronologically. But the name "pre-sequel" makes it obvious this game is meant to be played as part of the broader Borderlands universe.
It tells us Gearbox was completely aware of the other games when positioning this one, rather than slapping a generic prequel title on.
Guidance to play this one second
We gaming nerds love playing series in order! While you don‘t have to play Pre-Sequel before Borderlands 2, its title gives a nudge that doing so might be ideal to fully grasp the references.
The developers implied the best experience is to play the first Borderlands, then the Pre-Sequel as a direct lead-in to 2. Such thoughtful sequencing hints!
Poking fun at sequel conventions
Not gonna lie, sequel naming gets wacky in long-running series, especially sci-fi and fantasy. Terms like "side-quel" and "mid-quel" get tossed around haphazardly.
By cheekily going with "pre-sequel", Gearbox leaned into the absurdity of complicated sequel timelines. The name brings levity to a very serious topic – sequel chronology!
Maybe just easier to market?
Between you and me, part of me wonders if they also went with "pre-sequel" because it was cleaner for marketing than 1.5 or another numerical title. But honestly, I respect it – do whatever helps these awesome games sell so we keep getting more!
Overall reception was awesome
There was probably some skepticism when Pre-Sequel was announced. But once fans played it, they realized the peculiar name totally worked! It ended up reviewing great and kicked off an exciting new Borderlands adventure.
In the end, the clever pre-sequel title respected the franchise timeline and helped set expectations perfectly. Gearbox nailed it!
To quickly recap this analyzing, here are the reasons I believe Gearbox went with the outside-the-box “pre-sequel” naming:
- Combined sequel and prequel
- More specific than interquel
- Avoided convoluted 1.5 numbering
- Hinted at Borderlands 2 backstory
- Showed awareness of other games
- Provided play order guidance
- Poked fun at sequel conventions
- Potentially more marketable
The pre-sequel label ultimately resonated with critics and fans. It helped distinguish this release and reflected its narrative contribution. Now the term has entered gaming lexicon as a one-of-a-kind hybrid sequel!
Of course, this remains speculation until Gearbox confirms definitively. But I had a blast geeking out with you on dissecting why calling it a pre-sequel was brilliant. Let me know when you have another gaming mystery you want to get to the bottom of! Your friend Terry is always down for more epic gaming discoveries.