Borderlands Faces Review Bombing Post-EULA Update

The beloved Borderlands franchise is facing a wave of negative reviews following recent changes to the End User License Agreement (EULA) by publisher Take-Two Interactive. Dive in to understand the community's reaction and the potential implications for the series.

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

Take-Two Terms of Service Changes

The Borderlands series, known for its vibrant gameplay and dedicated fan base, is currently under fire. Fans have taken to review bombing Borderlands, Borderlands 2, and Borderlands 3 on Steam after discovering alterations in Take-Two Interactive's EULA. The changes, first noted by Reddit user Noob4Head on May 18, have sparked a significant backlash.

According to Take-Two’s terms of service website, the EULA was last updated on February 28. The issue gained widespread attention as various Reddit users and YouTubers criticized the new terms, particularly the inclusion of anti-cheat software, which some labeled as "spyware."

User allegations suggest that the updated EULA could grant Take-Two root-level access to players' machines under the guise of anti-cheat measures. This could potentially allow the collection of sensitive personal data, such as passwords and contact numbers. However, these claims remain unverified, as Take-Two has not issued an official statement addressing the controversy.

The introduction of anti-cheat software raises concerns, especially given the importance of the modding community to Borderlands' success. The potential impact on mods and the overall gaming experience is a significant worry. Whether these changes are a precursor to the upcoming Borderlands 4 release and their effect on privacy and gameplay remains to be seen.

Possibly An Overreaction?

While many fans view the EULA changes as intrusive, others argue that the reaction might be exaggerated. Reddit user Librask, for example, 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 important to note that Take-Two's terms of service apply broadly, not specifically to Borderlands.

The EULA clearly outlines that as the product owner, Take-Two reserves the right to update its terms, and users can choose to agree or discontinue using the service. Root-level access is not uncommon in competitive multiplayer games like League of Legends and Valorant, used to combat cheating. However, given Borderlands' minimal focus on PvP competition, the necessity of such measures is questioned by fans.

As the Borderlands series navigates this turbulent period, the community eagerly awaits Take-Two's response and potential adjustments to the EULA. Despite the controversy, the anticipation for Borderlands 4 remains high, with its release scheduled for September 12, 2025, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving story and the future of the looter-shooter genre.