Borderlands explains its ‘not cel-shaded actually’ art style

Borderlands — that shooter from Gearbox that went from 0 to 100 on the hype scale in the span of a day — has had its dramatic art style explained in detail for those who still liken it to cel-shading. Gearbox is keen to point out that this is a new graphical technique, and considering how beautiful the character models now look, they have every right to differentiate.

“The new technique uses hand-drawn textures,” explains Gearbox, “scanned in and colored in Photoshop, combined with software that draws graphic novel-style outlines around characters and objects, sharpens shadows to look more like something an artist might create, and even draws lines on hills and inclines.

“Finally the character models were all revamped with more exaggerated proportions, creating the appearance of a detailed comic book in motion.”

Now you know the secret, and can copy it at home. Remember to ask permission from a parent or guardian before using scissors and other cutting implements. 

I was into Borderlands before this new art style emerged, which obviously makes me cooler than the rest of you plebs. Also, any of you who are pretending to be unimpressed by the graphics is deliberately being an idiot and is almost evil for blatantly lying about how awesome it looks. You’re no better than a Holocaust denier in my eyes, and in some ways you’re even worse.