Borderlands Review Bombed After EULA Changes

The Borderlands franchise is facing a wave of negative reviews following recent changes to the End User License Agreement (EULA) by publisher Take-Two Interactive. Fans have taken to platforms like Steam to express their dissatisfaction, resulting in a "Mixed" to "Mostly Negative" rating for Borderlands, Borderlands 2, and Borderlands 3. This backlash was triggered after Reddit user Noob4Head highlighted the changes on May 18, sparking widespread discussion across social media and gaming communities.

Take-Two Terms of Service Changes

The updated EULA, which was last revised on February 28, has raised concerns among players, particularly regarding the inclusion of anti-cheat software. Many are labeling this software as "spyware," alleging that it grants Take-Two root-level access to users' machines, potentially collecting sensitive personal information such as passwords and contact details. However, these claims remain unconfirmed as Take-Two has not yet responded to the public outcry.

The introduction of anti-cheat measures is particularly contentious given Borderlands' vibrant modding community, which has been integral to the game's success. There are fears that targeting third-party applications could negatively impact modding. The broader implications of these EULA changes on privacy and gameplay, and their relevance to the upcoming Borderlands 4, are still unclear.

Possibly An Overreaction?

Despite the uproar, some community members believe the reaction might be exaggerated. Reddit user Librask argued, "People are overreacting for sure. The EULA is hardly any different than the one before it all the way back in 2018." They point out that Take-Two's terms of service are a broad document, not all of which will directly impact Borderlands.

The EULA explicitly states that Take-Two, as the product owner, has the authority to update its terms, with users retaining the option to either agree or discontinue using the service. Root-level access for anti-cheat purposes is not uncommon in other multiplayer games like League of Legends and Valorant, though Borderlands lacks a significant PvP competitive scene, making the inclusion of such software puzzling to many fans.

As the release of Borderlands 4 approaches, set for September 12, 2025, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC, the community eagerly awaits Take-Two's response to the controversy. It remains to be seen whether the company will reconsider the changes made to the EULA. For the latest updates on Borderlands 4, be sure to check out our dedicated article.