Maya’s Fate in Borderlands 3: Death, Asexuality, and Legacy
Maya, the Siren from Borderlands 2, meets her untimely end in Borderlands 3. She dies at the hands of the Calypso Twins early in the game’s story. This event serves as a pivotal moment, intended to fuel the player’s animosity toward the villains. However, the execution of this plot point has been widely debated within the Borderlands community.
The Impact of Maya’s Death on Borderlands 3
The decision to kill off Maya was made very early in Borderlands 3’s development, even before key writers joined the project in 2016. The intention was to establish the Calypso Twins as formidable antagonists and raise the stakes for the player. While some players felt the death was a powerful moment (echoing sentiments about Roland’s death in Borderlands 2), many criticized the narrative execution, finding the Twins uncompelling and Maya’s death feeling unearned.
The death also has ramifications for other characters, most notably Ava, Maya’s apprentice. Ava’s recklessness is often seen as a contributing factor to Maya’s demise, leading to significant criticism of Ava’s character within the fanbase. The game attempts to portray Ava as grappling with grief and responsibility, but the execution falls flat for many players.
Further complicating matters, Krieg, a playable character from Borderlands 2, had a clear romantic interest in Maya. The subsequent DLC, “Psycho Krieg and the Fantastic Fustercluck,” was expected to address Krieg’s reaction to her death, but its handling of the situation was seen by many as insufficient and disconnected from the main narrative. This perceived lack of emotional follow-through only exacerbated the disappointment surrounding Maya’s fate.
Maya’s Asexuality and Representation
Beyond her role in the story, Maya is also notable for her representation as an asexual character. While not explicitly stated in the games themselves, supplementary materials and character interactions, particularly with Krieg, hint at her asexuality. Krieg’s internal monologue refers to her as the “pretty lady” and acknowledges his romantic feelings, while Maya, though appreciative of his affection, doesn’t reciprocate in a romantic way. This portrayal, while subtle, is significant for representing asexuality within the Borderlands universe, adding to the franchise’s history of LGBT representation.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into Maya’s Story
Is Lilith dead in Borderlands 3?
Yes, Lilith is presumed dead at the end of Borderlands 3. Unlike Maya’s death, which is explicitly shown, Lilith’s sacrifice is implied. She uses her Siren powers to engulf Elpis (the moon) in flames to prevent it from crashing into Pandora. Her whereabouts are unknown following this act, leading many to believe she perished during or after this event.
How old was Maya when she died?
According to information released about Borderlands 3 character ages, Maya was approximately 30 years old at the time of her death.
Is Maya a playable character in Borderlands 3?
No, Maya is not a playable character in Borderlands 3. She plays a significant role in the story as an NPC (non-playable character) and mentor to Ava.
What were Maya’s Siren powers?
Maya was a Siren with the power called Phaselock. This ability allowed her to trap enemies in a “bubble” of distorted space, rendering them helpless for a short period. She could also upgrade this skill to deal damage, heal allies, and other effects.
Is it true Maya was retconned back to life?
No, Maya was not retconned back to life in Borderlands 3. Some players may have encountered misinformation online, but there is no official confirmation or in-game event that resurrects her character.
What is Maya’s relationship with Krieg?
Krieg has a deep affection for Maya. He often refers to her as “pretty lady”. While his feelings appear to be romantic, Maya never expresses reciprocal feelings in the same way.
Is Ava responsible for Maya’s death?
Ava’s actions contributed to the circumstances that led to Maya’s death. Her disobedience of Maya’s orders resulted in Maya having to protect her, putting Maya in a vulnerable position when the Calypso Twins attacked. The degree to which Ava is responsible is a point of contention within the fanbase.
How did Maya become a Siren?
The origins of Maya’s Siren powers are not fully explored in the Borderlands games. However, Sirens are born with their powers, inheriting them from a previous Siren or possessing them due to unique genetic circumstances. Little is explicitly mentioned about who/what brought her to her powers
How many Sirens are there?
There can only be six Sirens in the Borderlands universe at any one time. They each possess unique and powerful abilities. Known Sirens include Lilith, Maya, Amara, Angel, Steele, and Tyreen Calypso.
How far apart are Borderlands 2 and Borderlands 3?
The events of Borderlands 3 take place approximately 7 years after the events of Borderlands 2.
Will there be a Borderlands 4?
While not officially confirmed by Gearbox Software at the time of this writing, leaks and rumors suggest that Borderlands 4 is in development. However, specific details about the plot, characters, and release date remain unconfirmed.
How well did Borderlands 3 sell?
Borderlands 3 has been a commercial success, selling over 15 million copies as of May 2022.
Are there any new playable Vault Hunters coming to Borderlands 3?
No, Gearbox Software has stated that there are no plans to add any new playable Vault Hunters to Borderlands 3. The game’s development has largely shifted to supporting existing content and potentially working on future installments.
Where can I learn more about video game design and storytelling?
For those interested in the academic study of video games and their impact on learning and culture, the Games Learning Society is a valuable resource. The GamesLearningSociety.org website provides information about research, conferences, and publications related to game-based learning. Games Learning Society helps to educate players and game enthusiasts alike.
Are there any plans to address criticism about Maya’s death in future Borderlands games?
It is unlikely that Maya’s death will be directly reversed. However, future Borderlands games could potentially address the criticisms surrounding the narrative execution of her death by providing more satisfying character arcs for Ava and Krieg, and by crafting more compelling villains. The Borderlands universe is vast, so there are a ton of different ways to continue on!