Borderlands Faces Review Bombing Post-EULA Update

The *Borderlands* franchise is currently facing a wave of negative player feedback following recent changes to its End User License Agreement (EULA) by publisher Take-Two Interactive. Longtime fans of the looter-shooter series have taken to Steam and Reddit to express their dissatisfaction, leading to a noticeable drop in game ratings. Read on to learn more about the controversy, the community's response, and what this could mean for the future of the franchise.

Borderlands Games Now Show “Mixed” and “Mostly Negative” Reviews

Take-Two Updates Its Terms of Service

Following an update to Take-Two’s End User License Agreement—last revised on February 28, 2025—multiple entries in the *Borderlands* series have seen a sharp increase in negative reviews across platforms like Steam. The backlash began after Reddit user Noob4Head pointed out the changes on May 18, sparking widespread discussion among players. Titles such as *Borderlands*, *Borderlands 2*, and *Borderlands 3* have all experienced review bombing as a result.

According to reports, one of the main concerns centers around the inclusion of new anti-cheat software embedded within the updated EULA. Some players have gone so far as to label the software as "spyware," citing fears that it may grant Take-Two root-level access to users’ systems. Speculation suggests this could allow the collection of sensitive personal data such as passwords and contact information. However, no official statement from Take-Two has yet confirmed or denied these claims.

Another point of concern lies in how these changes might impact the modding community, which has played a significant role in keeping older *Borderlands* titles alive and engaging. The integration of aggressive anti-cheat measures could potentially restrict third-party tools and mods, further fueling player frustration. Whether these modifications are directly tied to preparations for *Borderlands 4* remains unclear, but many are questioning the necessity of such invasive updates for existing games.

Could This Be An Overreaction?

While many fans view the updated EULA with suspicion, some believe the reaction may be exaggerated. Reddit user Librask noted that the current EULA doesn’t differ significantly from previous versions dating back to 2018. Additionally, the document applies broadly to all products under Take-Two’s umbrella—not just *Borderlands*. That means not every clause will necessarily affect each individual game.

It’s also worth noting that granting system-level access via anti-cheat tools isn't entirely uncommon in multiplayer-focused titles. Popular competitive games like *League of Legends*, *Valorant*, and *Rainbow Six: Siege* utilize similar methods to combat cheating. However, *Borderlands* has historically leaned more into cooperative and single-player experiences rather than competitive PvP, leaving many players puzzled over the decision to implement such strict measures.

With *Borderlands 4* scheduled for release on September 12, 2025, across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC, all eyes are now on Take-Two. Will the company respond to fan concerns? Will they roll back the EULA changes or clarify the intent behind them? For now, the community remains divided, but the situation continues to evolve. As more details emerge, we’ll keep you informed.