Gearbox Software, the studio behind the upcoming "Borderlands 4," recently had its game director, Randy Pitchford, share a humorous anecdote on social media. He revealed his intention to immortalize an Australian airport security officer—who mistook him for "someone who looks like Randy Pitchford"—as an in-game character, weapon, or side quest. Fans quickly dubbed this a "Hideo Kojima-esque romance."
Pitchford recounted preparing to go through security at Cairns Airport in Australia when a scanner operator paused, looked at him, and asked, "Has anyone ever told you that you look like Randy Pitchford?" Pitchford, amused, replied, "I *am* Randy Pitchford." The officer happily shook his hand, then had him re-scan, explaining that "the machine didn't seem to like my clothes."
Pitchford later took to X (formerly Twitter) to share the story and search for the officer:
Pitchford stated his desire to "design an NPC, weapon, or side quest for him" in "Borderlands 4," explaining, "He made my entire day."
Fans lauded the move as "so Pitchford," with some even joking that it was proof of "Kojima's art" influencing "Borderlands." Pitchford himself quipped, "I wish I had been quicker on my feet and responded, 'You see my clothes!?' instead of just foolishly saying, 'I am Randy Pitchford.'"
The "Borderlands" series is renowned for its easter eggs, humor, and cultural references, encompassing everything from celebrity tributes to internet memes. If Pitchford truly incorporates this airport employee into the game, it will undoubtedly become one of the most "real-life connected" easter eggs in the series' history.