Career Timeline of Randy Pitchford: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: June 29, 2025

How Randy Pitchford built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Randy Pitchford is an American businessman and a co-founder of Gearbox Software, a video game development studio, which he co-founded in 1999. He served as President and CEO of Gearbox Software until 2021. Following this, he transitioned to the role of CEO and President of The Gearbox Entertainment Company, the parent company of Gearbox Software. His career is primarily associated with the video game industry and executive leadership within Gearbox.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

May 1997: Joins Rebel Boat Rocker

In May 1997, Randy Pitchford joined Rebel Boat Rocker as lead level designer and public relations head.

February 1999: Founding of Gearbox Software

In February 1999, Randy Pitchford, along with four other Rebel Boat Rockers, founded Gearbox Software.

1999: Co-founding of Gearbox Software

In 1999, Randy Pitchford co-founded the video game development studio Gearbox Software.

2011: Cast in Ctrl+Alt+Compete Documentary

In 2011, Randy Pitchford was cast as himself in the documentary, Ctrl+Alt+Compete.

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2013: Pledge to Director's Cut Crowdfunding Campaign

In 2013, Randy Pitchford pledged US$25,000 to Penn Jillette's crowdfunding campaign for the film Director's Cut.

2014: Featured in Video Games: The Movie Documentary

In 2014, Randy Pitchford was featured in the documentary, Video Games: The Movie.

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2015: Gearbox Expands into Publishing

In 2015, Gearbox expanded its operations into publishing.

2016: Executive Producer Credit on Director's Cut

In 2016, Randy Pitchford received executive producer credit on Adam Rifkin and Penn Jillette’s film Director's Cut.

March 2018: Joined Advisory Board for Fig

In March 2018, Randy Pitchford announced he had joined the advisory board for Fig, a mixed investor/crowdfunding service for video game development.

2019: Establishment of The Gearbox Entertainment Company

By 2019, The Gearbox Entertainment Company was established as the parent company of both Gearbox Software and Gearbox Publishing, with Randy Pitchford remaining as the president of Gearbox Software during this time.

April 2020: Launch of "Borderlands Science" Mini-Game

In April 2020, Randy Pitchford and Gearbox Entertainment worked with McGill University, Massively Multiplayer Online Science, and The Microsetta Initiative to add the mini-game “Borderlands Science” post-release into Borderlands 3. The game presents puzzles formulated from DNA sequences from medical research studies into the human gut microbiome.

June 2020: Partnership with Direct Relief

In June 2020, Randy Pitchford and Gearbox Entertainment announced a partnership with Direct Relief, a nonprofit humanitarian organization, to provide aid and supplies to medical workers responding to COVID-19. Players who donated received an in-game Borderlands 3 face mask.

February 2021: Acquisition by Embracer Group

In February 2021, The Gearbox Entertainment Company was acquired by Embracer Group. Following the acquisition, Randy Pitchford left Gearbox Software to become president and CEO of The Gearbox Entertainment Company and president of Gearbox Studios.

2021: Appointment as CEO and President of The Gearbox Entertainment Company

In 2021, Randy Pitchford transitioned from president and CEO of Gearbox Software to CEO and president of its parent company, The Gearbox Entertainment Company.

2021: Appointment as President of Gearbox Studios

In 2021, Randy Pitchford's work in the video game industry expanded to film and television when he became president of Gearbox Studios.

2022: Suggestion of Duke Nukem Film

At PAX East in 2022, Randy Pitchford suggested that a Duke Nukem film may be in the works, and it was confirmed when Legendary Entertainment picked up the rights that same year.

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2022: Auction of Apparel for Scholarship Funds

In 2022, Randy Pitchford partnered with the Entertainment Software Association to raise scholarship funds for students pursuing a gaming career by auctioning off some of his apparel.

April 2023: Founding of Gearbox Gives

In April 2023, Randy Pitchford founded Gearbox Gives, the philanthropic initiative of The Gearbox Entertainment Company, aimed at using entertainment to educate, inspire, and create.

2023: Featured in FPS: First Person Shooter Documentary

Randy Pitchford is featured in the 2023 documentary FPS: First Person Shooter.

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2024: Executive Producer of the Borderlands Film

In 2024, Randy Pitchford is the executive producer of the Borderlands film.

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2024: Take-Two Interactive Acquires The Gearbox Entertainment Company

In 2024, Take-Two Interactive acquired The Gearbox Entertainment Company. The company continues to operate within Take-Two’s 2K label and is led by Randy Pitchford.