Gearbox Addresses Controversy Over Take-Two’s Privacy Policies and Spyware Rumors
Gearbox Software has issued an official statement to address recent concerns surrounding the changes made to parent company Take-Two Interactive’s Terms of Service, which have sparked fears that many Borderlands games might now contain spyware. The controversy gained momentum after modifications to the policies, fueling speculation among fans and players alike.
Transparency and Reassurance for the Borderlands Community
The statement was published directly on Steam, the platform where intense review-bombing campaigns have significantly impacted the reputation of all major Borderlands titles. Gearbox’s primary goal is to clarify the situation, assuring players that the company remains transparent and committed to maintaining trust within the community. They specifically address two main issues: concerns about spyware and the impact of new modding restrictions.
Gearbox’s Clear Stance on Spyware and Data Collection
From the outset, Gearbox emphasizes: “Take-Two does not use spyware in its games.” While they acknowledge that some data collection occurs, they want to dispel the myth that players’ private information is at risk of being exploited. The studio stresses that data collection is conducted in accordance with Take-Two’s Privacy Policy, which aims to ensure transparency and legal compliance.
Understanding Take-Two’s Data Practices
- Take-Two collects certain information to improve game services and protect the overall gaming environment.
- This includes device and player identifiers to ensure compatibility across various platforms, browsers, and media types.
- Data helps developers understand player behavior to personalize experiences, such as displaying usernames or preferences.
- Account credentials are gathered only from users who opt to create accounts with Take-Two or its affiliated brands.
Addressing Modding Concerns and Game Integrity
The studio also clarified its position on modding, which has become a point of contention among fans. According to Gearbox, Take-Two’s Terms of Service prohibit mods that give players an unfair advantage, interfere with others’ enjoyment, or enable unauthorized access to content. This policy aims to preserve the integrity of the game experience for everyone.
Gearbox explained that their parent company generally does not pursue action against mods that are for single-player use, non-commercial, and respect intellectual property rights. The focus is primarily on preventing cheating and ensuring a fair multiplayer environment, rather than penalizing all modding activity.
Background of the Controversy and Recent Review Trends
The uproar began around May when fans noticed updates to Take-Two’s Terms of Service affecting existing titles, raising alarms about potential misuse of user data. Rumors quickly spread that the company was collecting excessive personal information, leading to review-bombing campaigns that caused the recent review scores for Borderlands 1, 2, and 3 to plummet into negative zones.
Although some concerns eased later in May, fears reignited on June 5 when Borderlands 2 was made temporarily free to keep. Despite the ongoing negative reviews, Gearbox remains committed to releasing Borderlands 4 this September. Fans can stay updated by following the latest announcements and gameplay previews from the recent April 2025 State of Play presentation.
Community Reactions and Future Expectations
The ongoing debate highlights the importance of clear communication between developers and players, especially regarding privacy and modding policies. Gearbox’s efforts to clarify their stance aim to rebuild trust and ensure that the Borderlands community can enjoy the franchise without unnecessary fears or misconceptions.
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.
