Gearbox Addresses 'Spyware' Concerns Amid Borderlands Review Crisis

In a recent statement published on Steam, Gearbox Software sought to quell the rising concerns among fans regarding allegations that its parent company, Take-Two Interactive, employs spyware in its games. The controversy has emerged in light of significant backlash and review-bombing campaigns affecting the Borderlands series, particularly Borderlands 2, whose recent Steam reviews currently stand at an 'Overwhelmingly Negative' rating as of June 8, 2025.

The backlash began in May 2025, when Take-Two updated its Terms of Service, leading to fears that user data might be exploited. This prompted a wave of negative reviews across major titles in the Borderlands franchise, including Borderlands 1, Borderlands 2, and Borderlands 3. The review-bombing movement has created a challenging environment for Gearbox, which is preparing to launch Borderlands 4 this September.

Gearbox’s statement emphasized that Take-Two does not utilize spyware, aiming to clarify the company's data collection practices. According to Gearbox, data is collected to enhance gameplay experiences and comply with legal obligations, as detailed in Take-Two's Privacy Policy. "Take-Two identifies these practices in its Privacy Policy to provide transparency to players and comply with its legal obligations," the statement read. "Take-Two collects this information to deliver its services to players, including to protect the game environment and player experience."

The statement further explained that information such as player and device identifiers is gathered to ensure compatibility with various platforms and to personalize user experiences. This includes features like displaying usernames. However, the company has not definitively addressed whether its explanation will mitigate the concerns of players who feel that their data privacy is at risk.

Additionally, Gearbox defended Take-Two's stance on modding, stating that its Terms of Service prohibit modifications that could provide unfair advantages or disrupt the gaming experience for others. "We do this to protect the integrity of the game experience for all users," Gearbox clarified. It also noted that Take-Two generally does not pursue action against mods that are strictly single-player, non-commercial, and respect intellectual property rights.

As the controversy continues to unfold, the Borderlands community remains divided. While some players support Gearbox's commitment to transparency, others remain skeptical about the implications of the updated Terms of Service. Historical patterns in the gaming industry suggest that significant backlash can lead to changes in corporate policies; however, the outcome of this particular situation remains uncertain.

As Gearbox moves forward with its plans for Borderlands 4, the company faces the challenge of rebuilding trust within its fanbase while addressing ongoing concerns about privacy and data security. The future of the Borderlands series may depend not only on the quality of its upcoming release but also on how effectively it navigates the current controversy surrounding its data practices.

In conclusion, the issue at hand exemplifies the delicate balance between corporate data collection practices and consumer trust in the gaming industry. As the situation develops, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how Gearbox and Take-Two respond to the evolving dynamics of player concerns regarding privacy and game integrity.