Gearbox debuted Borderlands 2 this week, and the loot-collecting first-person shooter is launching to a strong critical reception. Though its figures should be taken with a grain of salt, VGChartz claims over a million units have been sold.

In total, 1.25 million pre-orders of the game were collected. Pre-orders in the U.S. reached 800,000 and 1.25 million worldwide. Considering the original Borderlands was a surprise success for publisher 2K Games, it is justification for backing a new intellectual property.

Xbox 360 users took 60 percent of pre-orders, PlayStation 3 players 30 percent, and the PC buyers 10 percent. A Wii U version was not announced, though Gearbox is developing Aliens: Colonial Marines for the console. The developer previously said it was interested in developing a version of the game. Given its comments that Wii U is the most powerful console, the port would be interesting.

VGChartz claims the game will largely have "front-loaded" sales; the website estimates the game will see 1.5-1.6 million units this week inside a week of release. The original Borderlands sold 450,000 units by comparison, three years ago in 2009. VGChartz attributes the stronger sales due to Borderlands 1 being a long-term seller for publisher 2K Games and a strong marketing campaign for the recent release. DLC released for Borderlands 1 as later as 2011. Borderlands 2 set record pre-orders for the publisher, also.

Interestingly sales from Valve's Steam digital download service for PC are not included. Sales, therefore, could reach two million when included.

Borderlands 2 is basically based around collecting loot in the form of guns. The idea is millions of guns are available with the constant aim of getting better, and bigger, guns. The game also uses a cel-shaded art style with a bigger world than the first game. Cooperative play is encouraged.

The launch trailer for the game is below.

Borderlands 2 is available now for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC in the U.S. It releases Sept. 21 in the UK.