Borderlands Games Face Review Bombing After EULA Updates

The beloved Borderlands franchise has recently been hit with a wave of negative reviews following changes made by its publisher, Take-Two Interactive, to their End User License Agreement (EULA). This backlash came to light on May 18, when Reddit user Noob4Head pointed out the updated terms, leading to a significant outcry among the gaming community. As a result, Steam ratings for Borderlands, Borderlands 2, and Borderlands 3 have shifted to "Mixed" and "Mostly Negative".

Take-Two's Terms of Service Changes

The controversy centers around Take-Two's EULA, last updated on February 28. Discussions on Reddit and YouTube have spotlighted the new terms, particularly the inclusion of anti-cheat software that some users are calling "spyware". Allegations suggest that the updated EULA allows for root-level access to users' machines, potentially collecting sensitive personal data like passwords and contact information. However, these claims remain unconfirmed, as Take-Two has not yet addressed the public's concerns.

The addition of anti-cheat measures is particularly contentious given Borderlands' thriving modding community, which has been integral to the series' success. There's a fear that these changes could negatively impact modding and possibly introduce privacy issues or gameplay limitations. The relevance of these updates to the upcoming release of Borderlands 4 is also under scrutiny.

Is It An Overreaction?

While many fans view these EULA changes as overly invasive, some community members argue that the reaction might be an overstatement. Reddit user Librask, for instance, stated, "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 apply broadly and not all aspects may directly affect the Borderlands series.

The EULA does grant Take-Two the right to update its terms, with users having the option to either agree or discontinue using the service. Root-level access for anti-cheat purposes is not uncommon in other multiplayer games like League of Legends, Valorant, and Rainbow Six: Siege. However, given Borderlands' limited PvP scene, the necessity of such measures for this series is questioned, especially with the impending release of Borderlands 4.

Looking Ahead

As the Borderlands community grapples with these changes, all eyes are on Take-Two to see how they will respond. Will they reconsider their stance on the EULA, or will they stand firm? Meanwhile, anticipation builds for the next installment in the series, Borderlands 4, slated for release on September 12, 2025, across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC.

For the latest updates on Borderlands 4 and more, stay tuned to our coverage.