Battleborn was a hero shooter developed by Gearbox Software and released in May 2016, famously overshadowed by Blizzard's Overwatch launch. The meme culture surrounding the game initially focused on the fierce competition and Randy Pitchford’s aggressive marketing, including a dedicated tweet regarding 'Battleborn Rule 34' to garner attention. Following its commercial struggles and eventual server shutdown in 2021, the meme evolved into a symbol of the 'forgotten underdog' in the gaming industry. Today, Battleborn memes are used by gaming enthusiasts to highlight the brutality of the live-service market or to express nostalgia for its unique blend of MOBA and FPS mechanics that never quite found its footing.