Borderlands Review Bombed After EULA Changes

The Borderlands franchise is currently under fire as players have taken to review-bombing the games following recent changes to the End User License Agreement (EULA) by publisher Take-Two Interactive. This backlash has led to a significant shift in the series' recent reviews, ranging from "Mixed" to "Mostly Negative" on platforms like Steam. Let's delve into the specifics of these changes and the community's reaction to understand the implications for the beloved looter-shooter series.

Take-Two Terms of Service Changes

The uproar began when fans discovered that Take-Two Interactive had updated their EULA, as highlighted by Reddit user Noob4Head on May 18. This led to a wave of negative reviews for Borderlands, Borderlands 2, and Borderlands 3. The updated EULA, last modified on February 28, has sparked controversy, especially over the inclusion of what some users are calling "spyware" in the guise of anti-cheat software.

According to user allegations, the new EULA allows Take-Two to gain root-level access to users' machines, potentially collecting sensitive personal data such as passwords and contact numbers. While these claims are currently speculative, as Take-Two has not issued an official statement, they have raised significant privacy concerns among the player base. Additionally, the introduction of anti-cheat software raises questions about its impact on Borderlands' thriving modding community, a cornerstone of the franchise's appeal. The necessity of these changes, possibly in anticipation of the upcoming Borderlands 4, remains unclear.

Possibly An Overreaction?

While many fans perceive these EULA updates as intrusive and negative, some community members argue that the reaction might be exaggerated. Reddit user Librask, for example, pointed out that the new EULA isn't significantly different from the one in place since 2018. It's worth noting that Take-Two's terms of service are broadly applied across their products, not exclusively to Borderlands. The company asserts its right to update the EULA as the product owner, and users have the option to either agree to the terms or discontinue using their services.

Root-level access for anti-cheat purposes isn't unprecedented in gaming, particularly in competitive multiplayer titles like League of Legends, Valorant, and Rainbow Six: Siege. However, given Borderlands' focus on cooperative play rather than competitive PvP, the inclusion of such software has left many fans puzzled. As Borderlands 4's release looms on the horizon, the necessity and impact of these changes will become clearer.

Amidst the ongoing controversy, the future of the Borderlands series hangs in the balance. How Take-Two will respond to this backlash and whether they will reconsider the EULA changes remains to be seen. Meanwhile, the company is pushing forward with preparations for the launch of Borderlands 4, scheduled for September 12, 2025, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. For the latest updates on the game, be sure to check our article below!