Gearbox Offers Borderlands 2 for Free on Steam Amid Controversy
In a surprising move, Gearbox Software is giving away Borderlands 2 for free on Steam, allowing gamers to add this classic title to their libraries at no cost. The offer, which is available for a limited time, has delighted many fans eager to revisit the beloved looter-shooter from 2012. However, beneath the excitement lies a brewing storm of negative sentiment among the community, fueled by recent changes to the game’s Terms of Service (ToS).
Steam Reviews Reveal a Worrying Downward Trend
While Borderlands 2 currently boasts a “Very Positive” overall rating on Steam, based on over 287,000 reviews, recent feedback paints a much bleaker picture. In the past few weeks, the Recent Reviews section has been dominated by mostly negative responses, with over 3,300 reviews recently criticizing the game. This stark shift began around May 20, 2025, and has intensified significantly in the days following the free giveaway.
What’s Behind the Negative Feedback?
The surge in negative reviews isn’t driven by gameplay issues or server problems but is largely a reaction to recent modifications made by Take-Two Interactive, the parent company of Gearbox. In February 2025, the publisher updated its Terms of Service, sparking widespread concern among players. Many users are pointing out that the new EULA explicitly condemns the use of mods, cheats, and VPNs, but the real alarm bells are ringing over privacy fears.
Concerns About Data Privacy and Spyware
- Players are worried that the updated EULA grants access to their personal data, including names, email addresses, IP addresses, billing information, and phone numbers.
- Some reviews and social media posts suggest that the ToS changes could allow Take-Two, 2K Games, and Gearbox to harvest user data or even install spyware under the guise of legal updates.
- A popular Steam review from user RyeTheTactician states, “I cannot recommend this game right now because the publisher added spyware into an updated EULA that you have to accept to launch it.”
Community Reactions and Developer Responses
Many gamers have expressed their frustration by review-bombing not only Borderlands 2 but also other titles like Borderlands and Borderlands 3. These recent reviews often cite the ToS update as the core reason for their negative ratings, with some even demanding refunds if they wish to avoid accepting the new terms.
Gearbox’s CEO, Randy Pitchford, attempted to address privacy concerns via social media, assuring fans that no spyware or software-level changes have been made to the games. He emphasized that the EULA is determined by the publisher and that Gearbox’s role is limited to the game’s development, not its legal terms.
“Nothing has or will change about the software,” Pitchford stated. “There is no spyware in the games.”
Despite these reassurances, community members remain skeptical, with many claiming that the existing EULA already contained similar conditions, and that the recent updates may have been exaggerated or misunderstood.
Implications for Future Titles and Player Privacy
The updated ToS will likely be a requirement for accessing upcoming releases like Borderlands 4, scheduled for launch on September 12, 2025, on PC via the Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. A Nintendo Switch version is expected later. The controversy surrounding the ToS updates raises questions about data privacy and user rights, especially for titles with primarily single-player or co-op gameplay that don’t necessitate online connectivity.
Popular Concerns and Ongoing Debate
- Many gamers argue that because Borderlands 2 is a casual game with limited multiplayer elements, there should be minimal concern about cheaters or hacking, making the extensive ToS changes unnecessary.
- Some critics see the recent backlash as an overreaction, claiming that the ToS has not significantly changed from previous versions and that the fuss is fueled by misinformation or clickbait.
It remains uncertain whether Take-Two will revise its ToS to address privacy issues or mod support concerns. For now, players can continue to enjoy Borderlands 2 offline without accepting the new terms, but online play and future titles will likely require agreement to the updated policies.
Looking Ahead: Borderlands 4 and the Future of Player Trust
With Borderlands 4 set to launch in September 2025 on multiple platforms, including PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, the ongoing debate around privacy and user rights is likely to intensify. Players will need to decide whether to accept the new ToS to access online features or to wait for further clarifications and possible revisions from publishers.
Michael Cripe is a freelance journalist specializing in gaming and technology. He has contributed to various outlets and regularly covers industry trends and player issues. Follow him on social media for updates and insights.
Emma Blake
Emma is a tech-savvy news editor who thrives on staying ahead of the curve. With a background in digital journalism and media studies, she brings readers up-to-the-minute updates on gaming, tech, and entertainment trends. Emma’s writing is sharp, insightful, and always backed by credible sources. Her mission is to keep the community informed and curious about the fast-changing digital world.
