Borderlands Hit with Review Bombing Following EULA Update

The Borderlands franchise has found itself at the center of a storm after publisher Take-Two Interactive made significant changes to its End User License Agreement (EULA). This move has triggered a wave of negative reviews across the series, affecting Borderlands, Borderlands 2, and Borderlands 3. Let's delve into the details and explore the community's reaction and what this might mean for the future of the beloved looter-shooter series.

Borderlands Games Recent Reviews Are "Mixed" and "Mostly Negative"

The Borderlands games have been hit with a wave of negative feedback following changes to Take-Two Interactive's EULA. These changes were first noticed on May 18 by Reddit user Noob4Head, who highlighted the updated terms on Steam, leading to a surge in negative reviews for the games.

According to the latest update on Take-Two's terms of service website, dated February 28, the changes have sparked a significant backlash. Many players and content creators, including those on Reddit and YouTube, have criticized the inclusion of what they call "spyware" in the form of anti-cheat software.

Users are concerned that the updated EULA might allow Take-Two to gain root-level access to their machines, potentially collecting sensitive personal data like passwords and contact information. While these claims are speculative and Take-Two has not yet responded officially, the community's unease is palpable.

The addition of anti-cheat software is particularly contentious given the importance of the modding community to the Borderlands series. This move could potentially disrupt the modding scene, which has been a cornerstone of the franchise's success. The implications for privacy and gameplay, especially in light of the upcoming Borderlands 4, remain uncertain.

Possibly An Overreaction?

While a significant portion of the fanbase views these changes as intrusive, others believe the reaction might be an overreach. Reddit user Librask, for example, argued that the updated EULA is not substantially different from the one in place since 2018. They noted that Take-Two's terms of service apply broadly and not all changes may directly impact Borderlands.

The EULA clearly outlines that Take-Two, as the product owner, retains the right to update its terms, and users can choose to either agree or discontinue using their services. Root-level access is not uncommon in multiplayer games, particularly in highly competitive titles like League of Legends, Valorant, and Rainbow Six: Siege, which use such measures to combat cheating. However, given Borderlands' focus on PvE and minimal PvP elements outside of speedrunning, the necessity of this software for the series is questioned.

As the Borderlands series navigates this controversy, the gaming community eagerly awaits Take-Two's response. Will they reconsider their stance on the EULA changes? Only time will tell. Meanwhile, the company is preparing for the highly anticipated release of Borderlands 4.

Borderlands 4 is scheduled to launch on September 12, 2025, and will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting new chapter in the Borderlands saga!