"Borderlands Receives Negative Reviews Following EULA Update"

The Borderlands series is currently facing a wave of negative reviews following significant changes to the End User License Agreement (EULA) by its publisher, Take-Two Interactive. This article delves into the community's reaction and what these changes could mean for the future of the franchise.

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

The Borderlands franchise, including titles like Borderlands, Borderlands 2, and Borderlands 3, has been hit with a surge of negative reviews on Steam. This backlash started after Reddit user Noob4Head highlighted the EULA changes on May 18. Players are expressing their discontent with the new terms, which were last updated by Take-Two on February 28.

The controversy centers around the addition of what some players are calling "spyware" in the form of anti-cheat software. According to user allegations, the updated EULA allows Take-Two to access root-level permissions on users' machines, potentially collecting sensitive data like passwords and contact information. Although these are unconfirmed claims, the lack of a statement from Take-Two has fueled further speculation and unrest.

The inclusion of anti-cheat software is particularly contentious given the vibrant modding community that has been integral to Borderlands' success. There's concern that these changes might adversely affect modding and could lead to broader privacy issues or gameplay restrictions. As the community awaits the release of Borderlands 4, the impact of these EULA changes remains a significant point of discussion.

Possibly An Overreaction?

While many fans view the EULA changes as overly invasive, some argue that the reaction might be exaggerated. 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 updated terms are part of a broader document that applies to all Take-Two products, not just Borderlands.

Take-Two's EULA gives the company the right to update its terms, and users have the option to agree or discontinue using their services. Root-level access for anti-cheat measures is not uncommon in multiplayer games, especially those with competitive elements like League of Legends and Valorant. However, Borderlands, which lacks a significant PvP component, leaves fans questioning the necessity of such software.

As the Borderlands series navigates this turbulent period, the community eagerly awaits Take-Two's response and potential adjustments to the EULA. Meanwhile, anticipation builds for the next installment, Borderlands 4, slated for release on September 12, 2025, across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting addition to the looter-shooter genre.