The beloved Borderlands franchise is currently facing a sharp wave of review bombing on Steam. The reason? An unpopular update to Take-Two Interactive’s End User License Agreement (EULA) that has alarmed fans and sparked a broader debate over player privacy and data use.
Why Are Borderlands Games Being Review Bombed?
A recent Reddit thread brought widespread attention to a noticeable dip in the Steam ratings for several Borderlands titles—including Borderlands, Borderlands 2, and Borderlands 3. While the games maintain an overall “Very Positive” score due to years of glowing reviews, their recent ratings have been downgraded to “Mixed.”
Players are protesting the updated EULA enforced by Take-Two Interactive, the publisher behind the series. The controversial new terms are believed to negatively impact player privacy, possibly involving more invasive data collection measures under the pretense of anti-cheat protocols.
A Legacy at Risk
Developed by Gearbox Software, the Borderlands series has been a staple in the action RPG and looter-shooter genres since its debut in 2009. It has earned praise for its distinct comic book art style, dark humor, and co-op gameplay that keeps players coming back for more.
As Borderlands 4 inches closer to release, the timing of this controversy could prove to be a major blow to fan trust and franchise momentum. Many longtime players feel the EULA changes represent a disconnect between Take-Two’s corporate policies and the community’s expectations.
Fan Reactions and Industry Impact
User reviews on Steam have become a hotbed for criticism, with many calling out the EULA revisions as “invasive” and “unacceptable.” While review bombing is often seen as a blunt tool, it clearly signals widespread discontent that could impact future sales and community engagement.
This situation mirrors broader industry concerns where digital privacy, DRM policies, and corporate transparency play increasingly critical roles in consumer loyalty.
As the Borderlands community rallies against the new EULA, Gearbox and Take-Two face growing pressure to address player concerns. Whether this backlash leads to policy adjustments or further alienation remains to be seen. One thing is clear—players are watching, and their voices are louder than ever.