Talking to the Developer CEO About New Vault Hunter "Cash" (C4SH) in "Borderlands 4" [TGS2025]
Note: the original Japanese article can be found at:
https://www.4gamer.net/games/830/G083016/20250928028/
Writer: Natsukami Shiki Photographer: Nagayama Wataru | 2025/09/28 05:45 (UTC)
Released on September 12, 2025, the latest installment of the shooting RPG series “Borderlands,” “Borderlands 4” (available on PC / PS5 / Xbox Series X|S / Nintendo Switch 2), developed by Gearbox Software and published by 2K Games, has finally hit shelves.
As the sixth-year follow-up to a series with over 87 million copies sold worldwide and fans across the globe, this release isn’t just “a celebration”—it’s more like an all-out “Hallelujah” moment. While everything about it is on a scale unparalleled in the franchise’s history, the core elements that make Borderlands truly Borderlands—its absurd world setting, massive arsenal of firearms, and high-quality Japanese localization—are all faithfully preserved.
Prior to release, I attended a pre-launch play session held in Japan, where I met Randy Pitchford—the founder and CEO of Gearbox Software—for the first time. Known among fans as “Duval Magic,” he radiates genuine enthusiasm.
Randy Pitchford Thumbnail image for Gallery No.001: Interview with the CEO of developer Gearbox Software about the new Vault Hunter “Cash” (C4SH) in Borderlands 4 [TGS2025]
We held both formal interviews and casual conversations, but my first impression was clear: Pitchford isn’t just aiming to create a fun, high-quality game. Fun and quality are simply the baseline. What truly drives him is the desire to craft an experience that sparks the same excitement he felt as a child—eyes sparkling with anticipation for what’s next, heart racing like it did when you were utterly absorbed in a game.
The kind of passionate obsession where nothing else matters—the kind of fire that fuels his work.
Despite being a creator, CEO, magician, and entrepreneur, Pitchford remains approachable. There’s a playful innocence about him—an endearing sense of humor. While he may look serious enough to warrant calling him “Mr. Pitchford,” the moment you greet him with a cheerful “Hi! Randy!!”, his face lights up instantly.
He greeted us with smiles again this time Thumbnail image for Gallery No.003: Interview with the CEO of developer Gearbox Software about the new Vault Hunter “Cash” (C4SH) in Borderlands 4 [TGS2025]
4Gamer:
Thank you so much for taking the time today. Could you please start with a brief self-introduction for our readers?
Pitchford:
Hello everyone! I’m Randy Pitchford. While many of you may know me as the founder of Gearbox Software, today I’d like to talk about our flagship series—Borderlands—and specifically its latest entry: Borderlands 4.
4Gamer:
The long-awaited Borderlands 4 has finally launched. What are your immediate feelings right now?
Pitchford:
“Amazing!” That’s the only word that fits. After nearly six years since the last main installment, we’ve been preparing and building up to this moment… and now it’s here—finally in players’ hands. Amazing. I really want to keep saying that.
Of course, we’re already receiving feedback from players across the world. We’re actively incorporating those insights into ongoing improvements, so my team and I are working with full energy and passion.
4Gamer:
I clearly remember your heartfelt comments about Japan during your previous visit here. Now that Borderlands is exhibiting at a major Japanese game show—how do you feel about being back?
Thumbnail image for Gallery No.002: Interview with the CEO of developer Gearbox Software about the new Vault Hunter “Cash” (C4SH) in Borderlands 4 [TGS2025]
Pitchford:
I’m absolutely thrilled—seriously, incredibly excited. Yesterday I walked through the venue and could literally feel the incredible energy in the air. Thousands of visitors filling countless booths… that collective buzz—it’s electric. And knowing our game is part of it? Pure exhilaration from start to finish.
4Gamer:
Indeed, we saw Borderlands 4 everywhere—on banners, at photo spots, and throughout the venue.
Pitchford:
The local (Japan) team did an amazing job! I spotted our game all over the event space—it made me so happy! (Local team beams with pride).
Seeing so many people lined up at our booth… it gave me a strong sense that more players than ever are picking up and getting interested in the game. The fact that what we’ve created is reaching real people? That’s one of the most rewarding things for us.
4Gamer:
On the final day of Tokyo Game Show (September 28), fans learned that the new Vault Hunter “Cash” (C4SH) would be introduced in the paid DLC Story Pack 1. Could you tell us more about this character? Just one thing: I have to say—his visual design is absolutely my kind of style.
Before the interview, one of Gearbox’s team members suddenly showed me Cash—just a quick glance—and said, “We’re announcing this tomorrow.” I don’t know if it was real or not, but apparently only three people in the world have seen him at this stage… and I’m number one. Sounds like classic American humor.
By the way, Pitchford wanted to announce it here—on stage before Japanese fans—as a personal wish.
Pitchford:
Absolutely! Cash is a robot—but we also call him “Finesse Style.” He has that rogue-like, assassin-type personality. Before becoming a Vault Hunter, he worked as a dealer in a casino.
Borderlands features many robots throughout its world—programmed entities with intelligence and distinct personalities. That’s the defining trait of our robotic characters, and Cash fits right into this tradition.
4Gamer:
Ah, so he’s a robot!
Pitchford:
Yes. While working as a dealer in a casino, Cash observed countless people: those who walked away rich, others leaving broke. He came to believe that life is shaped by fate—and decided to take control of his own destiny and turn luck into an ally.
Anyone who’s played Borderlands has probably encountered “random opportunities” during gameplay. Cash embodies this idea—making those moments even more tangible for players.
4Gamer:
The visual design alone makes me want to grab a revolver—it evokes classic Western gunslingers perfectly.
Pitchford:
Well, we’re from America after all (laughs). Our studio is actually based in Texas. We were inspired by the gambling culture of Texas Hold’em and imagined how an old-western Texas atmosphere—rough frontier days in the 1880s—could fit into the Borderlands universe.
4Gamer:
I see. So in this “Old West Texas” setting, what kind of personality does this rogue-style character have?
Pitchford:
We used the term “Finesse” to describe him—he’s a sharp-edged, clever character with an intense persona. While we’re still deciding on his final class name, gameplay will involve using cards and dice to deliver high-skill combat.
The results depend heavily on luck—just like that “random opportunity” I mentioned earlier. The outcomes of your bets can lead to thrilling highs or crushing lows. It’s full of adrenaline—a truly exciting Vault Hunter experience.
4Gamer:
I’m really looking forward to it. Boys will absolutely love this character. No matter the era, every imagined hero includes a cool gunslinger and a slick gambler—basically classic archetypes (laughs).
Pitchford:
You’ll definitely enjoy it (laughs). Whether cards or dice, outcomes can swing wildly—from strong to weak. That’s exactly what makes Cash special. It feels like riding a rollercoaster—you’re constantly hit with intense emotions.
And one more thing: I personally have a deep connection with Cash.
4Gamer:
Oh?
Pitchford:
Do you know that I’m a magician?
4Gamer:
Of course!
Pitchford:
My own identity as a magician connects deeply with Cash’s character. Plus, I’ve even appeared on reality shows—so I’m no stranger to Texas Hold’em poker either. In fact, my actual card-playing movements were captured and used as reference for the game’s animations.
4Gamer:
I’m amazed that the CEO personally served as a motion capture model (laughs). Moving forward, you’ll continue updates including new content—what’s your vision for Borderlands 4?
Pitchford:
Exactly. In the coming weeks and months, what excites me most is strengthening the game itself. We want to keep expanding in every direction—from characters to boss fights—and making it bigger than ever. The process of evolving the game? It brings us endless joy.
So when will Borderlands 4 reach its final form? I don’t know. Only when we genuinely feel, “This is done! This is complete!”—that’s when it truly becomes final. Until then, we’ll keep enhancing and adding content.
One more point: We’re not chasing a fixed endpoint as a product. Instead, we see the journey itself—the continuous development—as an ongoing adventure to enjoy. While we’re proud of our current foundation, we’re determined to make Borderlands 4 even bigger and better than it is now.
4Gamer:
You said something similar in our last interview—“This is endless!”
Pitchford:
It’s almost like a hobby for us (laughs). We’re built to sustain long-term engagement. Only when we finally feel “We’ve reached the end” will we think about starting something new… though honestly, I don’t even know when that moment might come.
4Gamer:
Unfortunately, our time is up. Lastly, could you please send a message to Japanese fans of Borderlands?
Pitchford:
Thank you! From the bottom of my heart—thank you so much. We believe in our purpose: using entertainment to bring joy to people’s lives.
That’s why we pour everything into creating experiences that make players happy, fulfilled, or even surprised. Our hope is that these moments contribute to making your time richer and more meaningful. My team and I are committed to this every day.
In return, Japanese fans have shared countless heartfelt messages about Borderlands 4—your support fuels our motivation to keep pushing forward. We truly appreciate your continued encouragement.
The fact that I get to do what I’m doing today? That’s the greatest opportunity—and luck—I could ever imagine.
4Gamer:
Thank you so much.