Players are review-bombing the Borderlands game series following recent End User License Agreement (EULA) updates from publisher Take-Two Interactive. Here is a look at the community’s response and what it could mean for the franchise’s future.
"Mixed" and "Mostly Negative" Reviews Hit Borderlands Series
Take-Two's Updated Terms of Service
The Borderlands series has become the target of a review-bombing campaign after the community discovered Take-Two Interactive had implemented significant changes to its End User License Agreement. As noted by a Reddit user on May 18, Steam pages for Borderlands, Borderlands 2, and Borderlands 3 have seen a surge of negative reviews in protest.
Take-Two's terms of service were last officially updated on February 28. The issue gained widespread attention as numerous Reddit threads and YouTube videos criticized the changes, with many labeling the newly introduced anti-cheat tool as invasive "spyware."
Concerned players allege that the revised EULA authorizes root-level access to their systems under the guise of an anti-cheat program. This could potentially allow the collection of sensitive personal data, including passwords and contact information. It is crucial to emphasize that these are currently unverified claims, as Take-Two has not issued an official statement addressing the controversy.
Introducing such stringent anti-cheat measures is particularly contentious for Borderlands, a series where modding has long been a celebrated part of the community. Targeting third-party applications could therefore alienate a core segment of the player base. It remains unclear whether these EULA adjustments are a preemptive move for the launch of Borderlands 4, how they might impact player privacy, or what restrictions they could impose on gameplay.
Could This Be an Overreaction?
While many fans view the new EULA as an intrusive overreach, some have come to Take-Two's defense, arguing the changes are minimal. One Reddit user pointed out, "People are definitely overreacting. This EULA is barely different from the version that's been in place since 2018." It is also worth noting that Take-Two's terms of service is a broad document, meaning not all clauses may directly apply to the Borderlands games.
The agreement explicitly states that as the product owner, Take-Two reserves the right to update its EULA, and users maintain the option to either accept the new terms or discontinue using the service.
Kernel-level anti-cheat systems are not uncommon in competitive multiplayer titles like League of Legends, Valorant, and Rainbow Six Siege, where they serve as a defense against hackers. However, Borderlands is primarily a cooperative, PvE-focused series with a limited competitive scene, leading many to question the necessity of such software. Whether this is a necessary step for the upcoming Borderlands 4 remains to be seen.
Amidst the current uproar surrounding the Borderlands series, all eyes are on Take-Two to see if the publisher will respond or reconsider its policy changes. Despite the controversy, development continues for the fourth major installment in the popular looter-shooter franchise.
Borderlands 4 is scheduled for release on September 12, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. For the latest news and updates on the game, be sure to read our related article below.
