Borderlands 2 Goes Free on Steam Amid Negative User Reviews

Gearbox Software has made Borderlands 2 available for free on Steam until June 8, 2025, but this generous offer comes amid a wave of discontent regarding recent changes to its terms of service. Players are reporting a surge in negative reviews on Steam following adjustments made by parent company Take-Two Interactive, which are perceived to infringe on user privacy and allow for data harvesting. Although the overall review score remains "Very Positive," recent reviews have shifted to "Mostly Negative." Players express concerns over the updated end-user license agreement (EULA) which they claim prohibits mod usage and contains clauses they consider invasive. Some gamers have even called for refunds if they disagree with the new terms. Despite the backlash, Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford has stated that no software changes have been made, urging gamers to assess the situation independently.

The controversy stems from recent changes to the EULA by Take-Two Interactive, which many gamers believe compromises privacy by allowing data collection and restricting mod usage. This has led to a significant influx of negative reviews on Steam.

Borderlands 2 is a popular looter-shooter game that originally launched in 2012 and quickly built a reputation for its distinctive art style and engaging gameplay. It offers both a robust single-player experience and cooperative multiplayer options. While the game remains a fan favorite, the situation illustrates the struggles many gaming communities face concerning publisher policies and player trust, especially as we anticipate the release of Borderlands 4 on September 12, 2025. This latest installment promises to expand on the tried-and-true gameplay while addressing community feedback.