Gearbox Software has released an official response addressing concerns about parent company Take-Two's updated Terms of Service and allegations that Borderlands games may contain surveillance software.
The statement appears directly on Steam, where community backlash has resulted in review bombing across all major Borderlands titles. Aiming to maintain transparency, Gearbox addresses two primary concerns that have dominated fan discussions: potential spyware implementation and restrictions on game modding.
Gearbox immediately clarifies its position: "Take-Two does not incorporate spyware in its games." While acknowledging data collection occurs, the developer reassures players their personal information isn't being improperly accessed.
"Take-Two outlines these practices in its Privacy Policy to maintain transparency and meet legal requirements," Gearbox explains. "This data collection supports service delivery, protects gameplay integrity, and enhances player experience. Additional details are available in the Privacy Policy."
The statement continues: "Collection of player and device identifiers helps ensure game compatibility across different media, platforms, and browsers. This data helps us understand gameplay patterns and personalize experiences (such as displaying usernames). Account credentials are only gathered from players who voluntarily register accounts with Take-Two and its subsidiaries."
It remains uncertain whether Gearbox's clarification will satisfy fans alarmed by February's Terms of Service changes. Regarding modding restrictions, the developer maintains a clear stance:
"Take-Two's Terms prohibit modifications that provide unfair advantages, disrupt others' gameplay experience, or enable access to unauthorized content," the statement reads. "These measures preserve fair gameplay conditions for all users."
This directly addresses worries about blanket prohibition of mods, specifying that Take-Two primarily targets cheating tools while "generally permitting single-player, non-commercial mods that respect intellectual property rights."
AnswerView ResultsControversy erupted in May when players discovered Take-Two's updated Terms of Service affecting numerous existing titles. Speculation about unauthorized data collection spread rapidly, driving Recent Reviews for Borderlands 1, 2, and 3 into "Mostly Negative" and "Overwhelmingly Negative" territory. While concerns temporarily subsided late May, they resurged when Borderlands 2 became temporarily free on June 5.Currently, Steam Recent Reviews for Borderlands titles remain predominantly negative. Gearbox continues development on Borderlands 4, scheduled for September release. Details about April 2025's State of Play announcements offer previews of upcoming gameplay elements.
