Borderlands Ratings Drop Following EULA Update

The Borderlands franchise is currently facing a wave of review bombing following recent changes to the End User License Agreement (EULA) by its publisher, Take-Two Interactive. Dive in to understand the community's reaction and what it could signify for the future of the series.

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

Take-Two Terms of Service Changes

The Borderlands series, including titles like Borderlands, Borderlands 2, and Borderlands 3, have seen a surge in negative reviews on Steam. This backlash comes in response to modifications made to Take-Two Interactive's EULA, first highlighted by Reddit user Noob4Head on May 18.

According to Take-Two's terms of service, which were last updated on February 28, the changes have stirred controversy, particularly around the introduction of what some fans label as "spyware" in the form of anti-cheat software.

Speculation among users suggests that the updated EULA might grant Take-Two root-level access to their devices, potentially collecting sensitive personal information such as passwords and contact details. While these claims remain unverified, as Take-Two has yet to comment publicly, they've sparked significant concern.

The inclusion of anti-cheat software is particularly contentious given Borderlands' thriving modding community, which has been integral to the franchise's success. There are fears that these changes could stifle modding and impact gameplay. The true impact of these changes, especially in light of the anticipated release of Borderlands 4, remains uncertain.

Possibly An Overreaction?

Amidst the uproar, some community members argue that the reaction to the EULA changes may be exaggerated. Reddit user Librask, for instance, remarked, "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 noting that Take-Two's terms of service are broad, and not every clause may directly impact the Borderlands series.

Moreover, the EULA clearly states that Take-Two, as the product owner, reserves the right to update the agreement, with users having the option to accept or cease using the services. While root-level access for anti-cheat purposes is common in competitive multiplayer games like League of Legends and Valorant, its relevance to Borderlands, which lacks a significant PvP component, is questioned. The necessity of such measures, especially with Borderlands 4 on the horizon, is still under debate.

As the Borderlands series navigates through this turbulent period, the gaming community eagerly awaits Take-Two's response and any potential adjustments to the EULA. Meanwhile, preparations for the launch of Borderlands 4 continue, with the game set to release on September 12, 2025, across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. Stay updated with the latest developments by checking out our dedicated article below!