The Borderlands series is facing a wave of negative reviews following changes to the End User License Agreement (EULA) by its publisher, Take-Two Interactive. Dive deeper to understand the community's reaction and what this might mean for the future of this beloved franchise.
Borderlands Games Recent Reviews Are "Mixed" and "Mostly Negative"
Take-Two Terms of Service Changes
The Borderlands community has erupted in protest after discovering that Take-Two Interactive updated their EULA. This backlash, first noticed by Reddit user Noob4Head on May 18, has led to a surge of negative reviews for Borderlands, Borderlands 2, and Borderlands 3 on Steam.
According to the latest update on Take-Two's terms of service website, dated February 28, the changes include the introduction of what some are calling "spyware" in the form of anti-cheat software. This has sparked a fierce debate among fans, with many expressing their concerns on platforms like Reddit and YouTube.
Speculation is rife among users, with some claiming that the new EULA allows Take-Two root-level access to their computers, potentially collecting sensitive data like passwords and contact information. However, these are unconfirmed allegations as Take-Two has yet to address the public outcry directly.
The inclusion of anti-cheat software raises questions, especially given the vibrant modding community that has been integral to Borderlands' success. The potential impact on modding and whether these changes are a precursor to the upcoming Borderlands 4 release remains unclear.
Possibly An Overreaction?
While many fans view the EULA changes as invasive, some believe the reaction might be an overreach. Reddit user Librask argued, “People are overreacting for sure. The EULA is hardly any different than the one before it all the way back in 2018.” It's worth noting that Take-Two's terms of service are broad and not all changes will directly impact Borderlands.
The EULA clearly states that Take-Two, as the product owner, has the right to modify its agreement, giving users the option to accept or discontinue use of their services. Root-level access is not unprecedented in gaming, particularly in competitive multiplayer titles like League of Legends, Valorant, and Rainbow Six: Siege. Yet, Borderlands primarily lacks a competitive PvP scene, making the necessity of such software puzzling to fans.
As the Borderlands series navigates this storm, the community eagerly awaits Take-Two's response and potential adjustments to the EULA. Despite the controversy, the company is pushing forward with the launch of Borderlands 4, scheduled for September 12, 2025, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. Stay tuned to our site for the latest updates on this hotly anticipated release!