Amidst growing anticipation and some negativity surrounding Borderlands 4, Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford has addressed fan concerns and urged players to trust the development team.

Pitchford's comments came in response to criticism highlighted by Midwest Games Audience Director Gothalion, who pointed out a fan being muted for expressing concerns. Pitchford disagreed with the characterization of these concerns as critique, viewing them instead as demotivating negativity.

Borderlands 4 is generating significant buzz as the first mainline entry in the franchise since 2019's Borderlands 3. While the series is known for its humor, unique art style, and diverse enemies, Borderlands 3 faced some criticism for lacking the spark of previous installments.  The franchise also saw a poorly received live-action movie adaptation in 2024.

Despite these challenges, excitement for Borderlands 4 remains high, setting the stage for a potentially major release in 2025.  This year is shaping up to be a landmark year for gaming, with the expected release of Nintendo’s Switch 2 and the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6, also published by Borderlands' parent company, Take-Two Interactive.

Pitchford's response underscores the delicate balance between fan feedback and developer morale. He questioned whether negativity truly benefits the development process, suggesting that support and encouragement are crucial for creating the best possible game.  "Want the best Borderlands?" Pitchford asked. "Root for us and cheer us on. If you take developer's passion for granted, we'll all pay the price."

While acknowledging the value of constructive criticism, Pitchford reiterated his commitment to listening to feedback. However, he emphasized the importance of framing concerns in a way that motivates rather than discourages the development team.

This isn't the first time Pitchford has been vocal about his views on the gaming industry. Last year, he criticized Steam's market dominance and expressed concerns about Epic Games' handling of its digital storefront.

Borderlands 4 is slated for release on September 23, 2025.  This highly anticipated release will join a crowded field of major titles vying for players' attention in what promises to be a pivotal year for the gaming landscape.