Borderlands Review Bombed After EULA Changes

The Borderlands franchise is currently facing a wave of negative reviews following changes to the End User License Agreement (EULA) by publisher Take-Two Interactive. Dive in to discover how the community has responded and what implications this might have for the series.

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

Take-Two Terms of Service Changes

The beloved Borderlands series, including titles like Borderlands, Borderlands 2, and Borderlands 3, are facing a storm of negative feedback on Steam. This backlash stems from recent updates to Take-Two Interactive's EULA, which were highlighted by Reddit user Noob4Head on May 18. The changes have led to a flurry of negative reviews, shifting the games' ratings to "Mixed" and "Mostly Negative."

The crux of the issue lies in the updated terms, which were last modified on February 28, according to Take-Two’s official website. Players and content creators on platforms like Reddit and YouTube have expressed concerns, labeling the new anti-cheat software as "spyware." Speculations among users suggest that the EULA grants Take-Two root-level access to users' machines, potentially collecting sensitive data such as passwords and contact information. However, these are unconfirmed allegations, as Take-Two has yet to comment publicly.

The inclusion of anti-cheat software raises further questions, especially given Borderlands' thriving modding community. This community is integral to the game's success, and the new EULA could potentially disrupt this aspect. Whether these changes are necessary for the upcoming Borderlands 4 or if they might lead to privacy concerns or gameplay restrictions remains to be seen.

Possibly An Overreaction?

Amidst the uproar, some fans argue that the reaction might be overblown. Reddit user Librask pointed out, "People are overreacting for sure. The EULA is hardly any different than the one before it all the way back in 2018." The terms of service are a broad document, and not all changes may directly impact the Borderlands series.

Take-Two's EULA explicitly states that the company has the right to update its terms as the product owner, and users can choose to either accept these changes or stop using their services. Root-level access, while controversial, is not uncommon in multiplayer games, especially those with competitive elements like League of Legends and Valorant. However, Borderlands, primarily known for its PvE focus, has left fans puzzled about the necessity of such measures, especially with no significant PvP scene.

As the controversy unfolds, the gaming community eagerly awaits Take-Two's response and any potential adjustments to the EULA. Meanwhile, the company is preparing for the launch of Borderlands 4, the next installment in the acclaimed looter-shooter series, set to release on September 12, 2025, across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story and the future of Borderlands.