When Gearbox and 2K Games announced that Borderlands 3 would be a timed-exclusive on the Epic Games Store, PC players immediately revolted – even resorting to review-bombing older Borderlands games on Steam. While some are just upset over having to go the additional step for a different launcher, others are citing privacy concerns with Epic’s relationship with Tencent. Now Borderlands boss Randy Pitchford is weighing in.
When one Twitter user accused Steam of allowing the “misuse” of the review system, Pitchford responded “Ironically, that this misue is possible and that Steam has no interest in correcting this misuse makes me kind of happy about 2K’s decision and makes me want to reconsider Gearbox Publishing’s current posture on the platform.”
Ironically, that this misuse is possible and that Steam has no interest in correcting this misuse makes me kind of happy about 2k’s decision and makes me want to reconsider Gearbox Publishing’s current posture on the platform.
— Randy Pitchford (@DuvalMagic) April 5, 2019
Since the review bombing began, Steam has since removed the scores on Borderlands 2 that were recent and made in retaliation to the Epic Games Store deal made by 2K Games. While in this instance, Steam did step up, the trend of “review bombing” has become a go-to response for a lot of gamers – something Metro Exodus’ release saw as well.
While frustrations are understandable, it’s childish to review bomb older games to get a point across. Especially in this day and age where developers are so accessible, to punish previous titles – especially titles that were initially beloved, is counterproductive and reaks of a temper tantrum.
As for the title in question, Borderlands 3 is poised to release on September 13th for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Epic Games Store (PC).
