Borderlands 4 has only just launched, but the conversation around the game has been just as much about data privacy and spyware allegations as it has about loot and mayhem. Following months of heated debate over Take-Two Interactive’s updated End User License Agreement (EULA), Gearbox Software has now issued a direct response to reassure fans that no spyware is being used in the latest entry of the beloved franchise.
The controversy dates back to earlier this year, when Take-Two revised its user agreements across multiple platforms. These revisions mentioned expanded data collection practices and sparked speculation about kernel-level anti-cheat systems. While such measures are common in live-service shooters like Call of Duty: Warzone or Battlefield, their inclusion in a Borderlands title—a primarily co-op and single-player experience—raised immediate red flags for fans.
The uproar led to review bombing of previous Borderlands titles on Steam in May, as frustrated players expressed concern over Take-Two’s policies. Many believed that these changes could signal intrusive software or unnecessary tracking embedded within the games.
In a new statement released on Steam, Gearbox Software moved to calm the storm. The developer reiterated that “Take-Two does not use spyware in its games,” clarifying that the publisher’s Privacy Policy is a broad framework covering all labels, studios, and platforms. The statement emphasized that while the policy outlines various types of data that could be collected, it does not mean every data point applies to each game or service.
Gearbox also addressed questions about modding, an important part of the Borderlands community. The studio explained that Take-Two prohibits mods that grant unfair advantages, disrupt gameplay for others, or unlock content not legitimately earned. However, the company “generally” does not interfere with single-player mods, suggesting that casual modding in offline play will continue to be tolerated.
Despite ongoing skepticism, Borderlands 4 has already proven to be a massive success. Within just one hour of release, the game reached over 148,000 concurrent players on Steam, shattering previous franchise records. That number has since climbed past 207,000, establishing Borderlands 4 as the most-played entry in the series to date.
Still, player reception remains mixed. While many are celebrating the return of chaotic loot-shooting action, others have reported performance hiccups and technical issues. The tension between fan excitement and lingering privacy worries continues to shape the conversation around the game’s future.
For now, Gearbox is focused on keeping players reassured while supporting the game’s growing community. Whether the concerns about Take-Two’s policies fade over time—or continue to fuel debate—remains to be seen.
