Summary
Recent comments made by Gearbox Software CEO Randy Pitchford have angered potentialBorderlands 4players, with the executive claiming that fans of the franchise will “find a way” to buy the game if it launches with an $80 price tag. While the cost ofBorderlands 4hasn’t yet been revealed, many are worried that recent gaming trends will equate to a higher cost when the title finally launches in September.
Scheduled to be released almost six years to the day after its predecessor,Borderlands 4will introduce some gameplay changesto the long-running series, along with some quality-of-life improvements and new movement options. The game’s developers shared more details during this month’s PAX East event, showing off the title’s incredibly handy fast-travel to friends option and confirming that split-screen multiplayer will be making its return inBorderlands 4, much to the relief of longtime fans. While the new mainline entry promises to be a return to form for the popular looter shooter series, many are concerned about its potential cost, and recent comments made by Gearbox’s president have only added fuel to the fire.
Earlier this month, Gearbox CEORandy Pitchford addressed pricing concernsregardingBorderlands 4, stating that while pre-orders would soon be available, the game’s price was still unknown. As rumors swirl that the new entry could cost $80, many have taken to social media to push back, and a recent response from Pitchford has some gamers seething. “If you’re a real fan, you’ll find a way to make it happen,” he wrote, continuing with a brief anecdote from his childhood in which he purchased an $80 game while making minimum wage. Countless angry comments followed, with many calling theBorderlandsboss “out of touch” and citing his “lack of self-awareness” as a reason why they would boycott the title. As with previous statements, the executive stated that the final price for the game was not his call.
Potential Borderlands 4 Players Put Off by Gearbox CEO Comments
In a March social media post, Pitchford called out theampleBorderlands 4negativityhe had seen online, calling on fans to provide proper critiques instead of simply spewing hatred about the upcoming title. Although the game was originally slated to be released on September 23, it is now expected to arrive on PC and consoles on September 12, with Gearbox’s CEO citing the title’s smooth development cycle for the decision.
Take-Two Interactive recently announced thattheBorderlandsfranchise had passed a major sales milestone, selling almost 93 million copies since the first title was released in 2009. While many citeBorderlands 2as the highlight of the series,Borderlands 3was reportedly 2K’s fastest-selling title, with 22 million copies shipped to date. Many now wonder if Pitchford’s comments will have a negative impact on the sales ofBorderlands 4, or whether fans truly will find a way to play the game, no matter the cost.
