Summary
- Randy Pitchford responded to price concerns by saying “real fans will find a way” to buy Borderlands 4.
- The comment triggered backlash across social media, including criticism from Baldur’s Gate 3’s publishing director.
- Borderlands 4 is confirmed for release on September 12, 2025, but pricing is yet to be announced.
Randy Pitchford Sparks Controversy Over $80 Pricing Talk
Randy Pitchford, CEO of Gearbox, has come under fire for a controversial comment about the price of Borderlands 4. Responding to a concerned fan on social media, Pitchford suggested that if someone is a “real fan,” they’ll “find a way to make it happen” — even if the game ends up costing $80. His remark quickly went viral, sparking heavy backlash from fans and game industry professionals alike.
Pitchford defended his stance by referencing a personal anecdote about buying a game for $80 in 1991 while working a minimum wage job. While he claimed the final decision on pricing lies with the publisher, many saw his words as dismissive and out-of-touch with the current economic climate.
Fans and Developers Push Back
Gamers didn’t take kindly to the implication that fandom is tied to spending power. Social media lit up with criticism, calling the statement elitist and tone-deaf during a time when many are struggling with rising costs of living. Responses ranged from disbelief to outright anger, with some fans accusing Randy Pitchford of gaslighting consumers.
Even game industry insiders stepped in. Michael Douse, publishing director of Baldur’s Gate 3, called the comment “gross,” noting that it places undue importance on a game over basic living expenses. Douse emphasized that supporting a game doesn’t need to come with financial sacrifice, stating that “real fans are those who engage, not necessarily those who spend.”
Is Borderlands 4 Going to Be $80?
As of now, Borderlands 4 has no confirmed price. Pitchford himself admitted he doesn’t know what the price will be, though he mentioned that development costs have more than doubled compared to Borderlands 3. Publisher 2K Games and parent company Take-Two Interactive have also remained silent on pricing. Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick recently said that consumers “are willing to pay for the very best.”
Interestingly, 2K recently priced Mafia: The Old Country at $50, suggesting that not all games will be pushed to the $80 mark. That game’s more modest pricing was praised for offering a high-quality experience without the bloat of larger open-world titles.
Will Fan Backlash Influence the Final Price?
Whether the controversy surrounding Randy Pitchford’s comment will impact Borderlands 4’s final price remains to be seen. With the game launching on September 12, 2025, pricing details will likely be confirmed in the coming months. Until then, the backlash serves as a reminder of the growing disconnect between publishers and the gaming community when it comes to affordability and value.
