Take-Two's EULA Update Sparks Borderlands Review Backlash

Borderlands titles face a wave of negative reviews following Take-Two Interactive's recent End User License Agreement (EULA) revisions. Discover how players have responded and what this means for the franchise's future.

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

Take-Two Updates Terms of Service

Borderlands titles are under fire with review bombing after Take-Two Interactive revised its End User License Agreement (EULA). On May 18, Reddit user Noob4Head noticed a surge of negative Steam reviews for Borderlands, Borderlands 2, and Borderlands 3, driven by these updates.

Take-Two’s terms of service, last updated on February 28, stirred controversy when Reddit users and YouTubers labeled the new anti-cheat software as "spyware." This sparked widespread discussion among the gaming community.

Players allege that the revised EULA allows Take-Two root-level access to their devices under the guise of anti-cheat measures, potentially collecting sensitive data like passwords and contact details. These claims remain unverified, as Take-Two has not yet issued an official response to the public outcry.

The inclusion of anti-cheat software raises concerns, particularly for Borderlands’ vibrant modding community, which is integral to the franchise’s appeal. Restricting third-party applications could impact modding, and it’s unclear whether these changes are tied to the upcoming Borderlands 4 release or if they’ll lead to broader privacy or gameplay issues.

Is the Reaction Overblown?

While many fans view the EULA changes as intrusive, some defend Take-Two, arguing the updates are minor. Reddit user Librask noted, “The backlash seems exaggerated. The EULA is barely different from the 2018 version.” Additionally, Take-Two’s terms are a standard document, meaning not all clauses directly impact Borderlands.

The EULA explicitly states that Take-Two, as the product owner, can update its terms, and users can choose to accept or stop using the service. Root-level access is common in multiplayer games like League of Legends and Valorant to combat cheating, but its inclusion in Borderlands, which lacks a strong PvP focus, has puzzled fans. With Borderlands 4 still unreleased, the necessity of this software remains debated.

As the Borderlands series navigates this controversy, Take-Two’s response and potential adjustments to the EULA are eagerly awaited. Meanwhile, the company continues preparations for the next chapter of its looter-shooter franchise.

Borderlands 4 is slated for release on September 12, 2025, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. Stay informed with the latest game updates in our article below!