Borderlands EULA Changes Spark Review Bombing

Borderlands Series Faces Review Bombing After EULA Updates

The beloved Borderlands franchise is currently under fire as fans react vehemently to changes made by publisher Take-Two Interactive to its End User License Agreement (EULA). This backlash has led to a significant review bombing of Borderlands, Borderlands 2, and Borderlands 3, pushing their recent Steam ratings to "Mixed" and "Mostly Negative" territory.

Take-Two's EULA Modifications

The controversy erupted after Reddit user Noob4Head highlighted the EULA changes on May 18. The alterations, last updated on February 28 according to Take-Two’s terms of service website, have sparked widespread concern among the gaming community. Many are labeling the new anti-cheat software as "spyware," fearing it grants Take-Two root-level access to their machines, potentially collecting sensitive personal information like passwords and contact details.

These changes have raised eyebrows not only due to privacy concerns but also because of their potential impact on the thriving Borderlands modding community. While the full ramifications on gameplay and user privacy remain unclear, some speculate these measures might be in preparation for the upcoming release of Borderlands 4.

A Closer Look: Overreaction or Legitimate Concern?

Amid the outcry, some community members argue that the reaction might be an overstatement. Reddit user Librask, for instance, pointed out that "People are overreacting for sure. The EULA is hardly any different than the one before it all the way back in 2018." They stress that Take-Two's terms are broad and not all changes directly impact Borderlands games. Additionally, the EULA clearly states that users can either agree to the terms or choose to stop using the services.

While root-level access is a common practice in highly competitive multiplayer games like League of Legends and Valorant to combat cheating, its implementation in Borderlands, which lacks a significant PvP scene, has left fans puzzled. Whether this addition is necessary, especially with Borderlands 4 on the horizon, is a topic of hot debate.

As the dust settles, the gaming community awaits Take-Two's response to this uproar. Will they reconsider their stance on the EULA changes? Only time will tell. 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. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.