Key Highlights
- Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford calls for trust and support from fans for the development team behind Borderlands 4.
- Negative feedback from some community members is a concern for Pitchford, who aims to mitigate this sentiment.
- The anticipated launch for Borderlands 4 is scheduled for September 23, 2025.
Randy Pitchford, the CEO of Gearbox, has recently addressed the negativity that has emerged around the upcoming title Borderlands 4. He specifically encourages fans and gamers to maintain their faith in the developers. The remarks by Pitchford were, in part, a response to comments made by Gothalion, the Audience Director for Midwest Games, who highlighted the criticism directed at the new installment. As the launch date draws nearer—set for September 23, 2025—Borderlands 4 has the potential to be a significant release in the gaming landscape of that year.
The Borderlands series is celebrated for its unique blend of humor, colorful graphics, and a diverse array of eccentric adversaries. However, the franchise has faced challenges recently. Despite generally favorable reviews, fans expressed disappointment with Borderlands 3, feeling it didn’t capture the charm of earlier titles. Compounding these woes, the franchise’s live-action adaptation released in 2024, starring acclaimed actors Cate Blanchett and Kevin Hart, was both a critical and commercial failure. Nonetheless, anticipation surrounding Borderlands 4 suggests the series still holds a strong fanbase, marking it as the first mainline title since 2019. Yet, as excitement mounts, so does criticism—a concern Pitchford aims to address.
In a recent online interaction, Pitchford confronted the negative commentary surrounding Borderlands 4. This was particularly directed at Gothalion’s assertion on Twitter that Pitchford had muted a fan for voicing concerns about the game. Gothalion claimed these remarks stemmed from a place of affection for the series, but Pitchford disagreed with this interpretation. He stated, “I didn’t see any critique. I just saw negativity that was demotivating.”This isn’t the first time Pitchford has publicly defended his projects; he has previously praised the innovative skill tree system set to debut in Borderlands 4.
Randy Pitchford Addresses Borderlands 4 Criticism
I didn’t see any critique. I just saw shitty negativity that was demotivating. Want the best Borderlands? Root for us and cheer us on. If you take developer’s passion for granted, we’ll all pay the price. I love criticism and, thankfully, I have never been in short supply. Don’t — Randy Pitchford (@DuvalMagic) March 3, 2025
Pitchford emphasized the importance of support from the community, stating, “Want the best Borderlands? Root for us and cheer us on.”He further indicated that while he welcomes constructive criticism, he finds excessive negativity counterproductive. Historically, Pitchford has been vocal about industry challenges, including his criticism of major digital storefronts like Steam and Epic Games, calling out their monopolistic tendencies.
The release of Borderlands 4 on September 23, 2025, is highly anticipated in a year poised to leave a mark in gaming history. Not only is it set to bring back beloved franchises like Borderlands and Civilization, but it will also coincide with the launch of Nintendo’s eagerly awaited Switch 2 console. Moreover, 2025 is expected to showcase major titles such as the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI, a project that falls under the auspices of Borderlands’ parent company, Take-Two Interactive.
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