Randy Pitchford Clarifies $80 Borderlands 4 Comment Amid Fan Backlash

Randy Pitchford’s now-infamous response to fan concerns over the potential $80 price tag for *Borderlands 4* has continued to stir controversy, drawing reactions from rival publishers and fans alike. The Gearbox CEO initially replied to a fan's concern by stating, “If you’re a real fan, you’ll find a way to make it happen,” referencing how he managed to buy *Starflight* for $80 back in 1991 while working a minimum wage job.

This comment quickly ignited a firestorm across social media platforms, prompting other game developers and publishers to chime in—some with criticism, others with promotional opportunities. Devolver Digital, known for its bold and often satirical marketing tactics, seized the moment to promote its upcoming co-op FPS title, *Mycopunk*, which bears stylistic similarities to the *Borderlands* franchise.

In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Devolver quipped: “You're gonna be able to buy Mycopunk for you and three of your friends for the price of one copy of Borderlands 4.” Pitchford himself responded to the tweet with an additional jab: “Mycopunk is cheaper than a point of meth – probably has fewer side effects, too!” Unfortunately, this only fueled further backlash from the gaming community.

Community Backlash Intensifies

Many fans expressed frustration over what they perceive as dismissive and tone-deaf remarks. Some users threatened to pirate *Borderlands 4*, while others urged Pitchford to apologize and step back from the situation. A recurring sentiment among players is that such rhetoric risks damaging the goodwill surrounding the game and undermining the efforts of the development team.

“Randy we are begging you to stop. BL4 had so much hype and it’s being ruined in a day. Let people want to like and support the game and all the amazing people who made it,” one user commented.

Pitchford Clarifies at PAX East

In a panel at PAX East, Pitchford addressed the pricing issue more thoughtfully, offering a broader context for the potential $80 price point without confirming it outright. He emphasized that the final decision rests with publisher 2K Games, not himself, and acknowledged the rising costs of game development and production challenges such as retail packaging tariffs.

“The truth is, I don't know [the final price],” Pitchford stated. “We have more than twice the development budget than Borderlands 3. As artists we want everybody to have it. We want to make it as easy as possible for everyone to enjoy what we’re creating.”

He concluded with a confident but controversial note: “Borderlands is f***ing amazing and it’s worth it.”

Industry Trends and Player Expectations

Pitchford’s earlier comments stood in stark contrast to his measured explanation at PAX East. Many fans believe the latter would have sufficed, avoiding unnecessary public relations damage. Streamers and content creators echoed this sentiment, urging leadership to be more sensitive to player concerns.

“This was a perfect response and should have been left at this,” said Borderlands streamer Moxsy. “Every game is going to be $80 next year regardless. However, fans want to feel good about their purchase, especially when supporting a franchise they've loved for over a decade.”

What Comes Next?

With pre-orders expected to launch soon, all eyes are on 2K Games to officially announce the price of *Borderlands 4*. Set for release on September 12, 2025, the game now carries both high expectations and heavy scrutiny.

As the industry continues to navigate shifting pricing models, conversations around value, accessibility, and respect for the fanbase remain central to maintaining brand trust and community engagement.

Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick recently weighed in during an IGN interview, saying consumers are “willing to pay for the very best,” though he stopped short of confirming any specific pricing strategy. “It's our job to deliver much more value than what we charge. That's our goal,” he added.