Given the controversy the game has caused, it’s difficult to predict how Borderlands 4 will be received when it launches on September 12.
THEME
- Even though Borderlands 4 hasn’t been released yet, it has already generated a great deal of controversy.
- One of the things that sparked the whole thing online was Randy Pitchford’s remark about being a “real fan.”
- Pitchford subsequently explained that he never intended to be careless with his fans. However, the harm had already been caused.
Although Gearbox Software’s eagerly awaited Borderlands 4 has not yet been released, it is already rife with controversy. The CEO of Gearbox Software, Randy Pitchford, incited a dispute with the entire gaming community last week when he claimed that “real fans” would purchase the game even if it cost $80.
Since the Borderlands trilogy has received a ton of negative reviews on Steam, it appears that this has set off a series of events. But not only due to what he said. Fans reportedly objected to changes made by publisher Take-Two to the games’ End User License Agreement. What are Take-Two and Gearbox going to do next?
The franchise is in complete disarray as a result of Borderlands 4.
It all started last week when Gearbox CEO Pitchford addressed a fan who was worried about Borderlands 4’s possible $80 price tag. In defense of the possible cost, Pitchford stated, “If you’re a true fan, you’ll find a way to make it happen.” He went on to talk about his own 1991 purchase of Starflight, which cost $80.
Whether intentional or not, many people saw the remark as dismissive of the current economic pressures, elitist, and out of touch. As one might anticipate, Pitchford was met with nothing but criticism from gamers in online communities. Much of it concerned the alleged insensitivity of telling fans to “just pay up” in the face of growing living expenses.
Even publishers such as Devolver Digital joined the trend of ridiculing it. The studio made a joke about selling four copies of Mycopunk for the price of one Borderlands 4 in order to promote Mycopunk, its next cooperative shooter. Pitchford attempted to turn the community back toward him in the days that followed, but as usual, the damage had already been done.
Although it might be a contributing factor, it is not the primary cause of the review bombing. As everyone knows, gamers have made review bombing their go-to tactic for voicing their displeasure with game changes or any other type of annoyance. And since the review bombing was brought on by modifications to the End User License Agreement for the franchise’s games, that is precisely what occurred.
What will Borderlands 4 actually cost?
In response to a widely shared AI parody of his initial remarks, Pitchford ultimately issued a half-apology. He wrote, “But really, nobody likes to be taken for granted, and that wasn’t my intention.” “The love and support everyone has given the team has humbled me. It will be well worth the money, no matter where the price goes.
The final Borderlands 4 price has not yet been confirmed by Gearbox or publisher 2K Games. However, since we already know that the game will be available in a few months, pre-orders should open shortly.
The upcoming Mafia: The Old Country was recently priced at $50 by 2K, which is funny. The publisher therefore knows exactly what pricing strategies are currently being used in the market. Let’s check to see if that has any impact.
On September 12, 2025, Borderlands 4 will be available for the PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.