Gearbox Software has issued a statement addressing the controversy over parent company Take-Two's updated Terms of Service and concerns that several Borderlands titles may now include "spyware."
Posted directly on Steam, where backlash has emerged through review-bombing campaigns targeting major Borderlands games, the statement aims to address player concerns while "maintaining transparency and trust within the community." This involves clarifying two main issues that have stirred the Borderlands fanbase for months—spyware allegations and potential modding restrictions.
Gearbox states clearly from the outset: "Take-Two does not use spyware in its games." While some data collection does occur, the studio emphasizes that players' private information is not indiscriminately accessed.
"Take-Two outlines these practices in its Privacy Policy to ensure transparency with players and uphold legal standards," Gearbox notes in the Steam announcement. "Data collection supports service delivery, safeguards the gaming environment, and enhances the player experience. More details are available in the Privacy Policy."
The message continues: "For instance, player and device identifiers are partly gathered to ensure game compatibility with various media, platforms, or browsers. This helps us better understand gameplay habits and tailor user experiences—such as displaying usernames. Account credentials are collected only from users who opt to create accounts with Take-Two or its subsidiaries."
It remains uncertain whether Gearbox’s clarification of Take-Two’s Terms of Service will satisfy those who protested the policy update back in February. Meanwhile, the studio’s position on modding is stated plainly.
"Take-Two’s Terms of Service forbid mods that grant unfair advantages, disrupt others’ gameplay, or provide unauthorized access to content," the statement explains. "This helps preserve a fair and consistent experience for all players."
This directly addresses worries that all modding could be penalized. Gearbox clarifies that Take-Two’s focus is on cheating, which can harm other players' enjoyment. The statement even notes that the parent company "generally refrains from targeting single-player, non-commercial mods that respect the intellectual property of its labels and third parties."
Outcry began around May this year when players learned that Take-Two had revised its terms of service, impacting many existing games. Speculation about the company harvesting user data quickly spread, leading to a campaign that pushed Recent Reviews for Borderlands 1, 2, and 3 into "Mostly Negative" or "Overwhelmingly Negative" territory. Although concerns eased later in May, anxieties resurfaced when Borderlands 2 became free to claim for a limited time on June 5.
Currently, the Borderlands series’ Recent Reviews on Steam remain largely negative. Gearbox, meanwhile, is preparing to launch Borderlands 4 this September. Stay updated with the latest news and see some gameplay by checking out everything revealed during its April 2025 State of Play presentation.
