Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford has reacted to online negativity regarding the upcoming Borderlands 4, stating “if you take developer’s passion for granted, we’ll all pay the price”.
Pitchford’s words come as part of an exchange on social media with influencer Gothalion, who also serves as audience director for publisher Midwest Games, and kicked off after Gothalion claimed Pitchford had muted a fan for raising some “very valid concerns (mild takes really)” about the next entry in the Borderlands series.
“His critique came from a place of love,” Gothalion wrote (thanks, GamesRadar). “As will mine. Please reconsider. Do better. Make a great Borderlands, and when your longest lasting biggest supporters give feedback and worries, especially respectfully, digest it gracefully.”
Pitchford, however, did not take warmly to Gothalion’s comments, and said the aforementioned mild takes were not a critique, but “shitty negativity that was demotivating” for the Borderlands 4 team.
“Want the best Borderlands? Root for us and cheer us on. If you take developer’s passion for granted, we’ll all pay the price,” Pitchford replied, adding he appreciates criticism and has “never been in short supply” of it.
“Don’t gaslight me on his post,” the Gearbox exec closed. “It wasn’t criticism. It was pessimism. It’s toxic for people killing themselves for your entertainment, so fuck that noise.”
This is, of course, not the first time Pitchford has been vocal in defence of his studio and media online. Last year, the CEO compared his company to the Beatles. “I wish everything [we do] could be a hit,” he said, “but that is not how it works… The greatest musical act of all time, The Beatles, had a 25 percent hit rate.”
Borderlands 4 is slated for release across Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC (via Steam and the Epic Games Store at the same time) on 23rd September. Along with four new Vault Hunters, the team has confirmed the upcoming game will dial down the toilet humour compared to the previous game, so don’t expect any “skibidi” quotes.