Borderlands Hit with Review Bombing Post-EULA Update

The beloved Borderlands series is currently under fire as fans express their discontent through review bombing following changes made by publisher Take-Two Interactive to its End User License Agreement (EULA). Let's delve deeper into how the community has reacted and what this might mean for the future of the franchise.

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

Take-Two Terms of Service Changes

The Borderlands games have recently been subjected to a wave of negative reviews on Steam, triggered by changes in Take-Two Interactive's EULA. First spotted by Reddit user Noob4Head on May 18, the backlash stems from updates to the EULA that were made on February 28, according to Take-Two's terms of service website. The changes, particularly the addition of anti-cheat software, have been labeled as "spyware" by various Reddit users and YouTubers, sparking widespread concern.

Community speculation has heightened, with users alleging that the updated EULA allows Take-Two to gain root-level access to their computers under the guise of anti-cheat software. These claims suggest potential risks to personal data, such as passwords and contact information. However, it's crucial to recognize that these are unconfirmed speculations, as Take-Two has yet to address the public outcry officially.

The introduction of anti-cheat software raises further questions, especially given the vital role the Borderlands modding community plays in the game's ecosystem. Such measures could impact modding and potentially affect gameplay. The implications of these changes, whether they are necessary for the upcoming Borderlands 4 or lead to privacy concerns, are still unfolding.

Possibly An Overreaction?

While many fans view these EULA changes as intrusive, a segment of the community argues that the backlash might be excessive. Reddit user Librask noted, "People are overreacting for sure. The EULA is hardly any different than the one before it all the way back in 2018." It's worth considering that Take-Two's terms of service are broad, and not all changes may directly impact Borderlands.

The updated EULA also emphasizes that Take-Two, as the product owner, reserves the right to manage its offerings, including EULA updates, with users retaining the option to accept or discontinue using their services.

Root-level access, while controversial, is not uncommon in multiplayer games, used by titles like League of Legends, Valorant, and Rainbow Six: Siege to combat cheating. However, Borderlands lacks a significant PvP competitive scene, which has left fans puzzled about the necessity of such software, especially with Borderlands 4 on the horizon.

As the Borderlands series navigates this turbulent period, the community awaits Take-Two's response and any potential revisions to the EULA. Despite the controversy, preparations for the launch of Borderlands 4 continue unabated, with the game 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 evolving story.