Gearbox Responds to Troy Baker’s Borderlands 3 Anti-Union Allegations

Earlier this week actor Troy Baker spoke out on why he wasn't reprising his role as Rhys in Borderlands 3, now Gearbox has a response of their own.

Earlier this week actor Troy Baker spoke out on why he wasn’t reprising his role as Rhys in Borderlands 3, now Gearbox is telling their side of the story with a response of their own. 

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Missed out on the initial commentary that prompted the studio to speak up? The popular voice actor recently sat down with VG24/7 to talk about why he wasn’t included in returning cast to reprise his role as Rhys from Tales from the Borderlands. According to him, Gearbox refused to go union and he “can’t do a non-union gig.” 

He was also vocal in his disappointment regarding how the dismissal all went down, saying that he was really excited about reprising his role as Rhys following player reception of the character in TellTale’s Tales from the Borderlands. Following the initial callout, Pitchford later belittled the exchange by saying his voice didn’t matter at all – and maybe it doesn’t to some – but the industry is changing. Both game dev and in games media, the call for unionization is getting louder and Gearbox hasn’t been in the news for the best of reasons over the past several years (which you can catch up on here).

Now Gearbox has issued their own response by saying: 

“Troy is an exceptional talent and we were disappointed that he declined to partner on Borderlands 3 after being offered the part. We wish him the best and hope he knows the offer to collaborate with him still stands. Gearbox is a Texas company and is bound by Texas law – which means that a person cannot be denied employment because of membership or non-membership in a labor union or other labor organization. As a talent-owned and talent-led organization, Gearbox enthusiastically works to ensure our pay and working conditions meet or exceed union standards. We also believe strongly in hiring local voice actors whenever we can which is why we’re thrilled Troy’s career really took off after working with us.”

Baker wasn’t the only voice actor to not return over a slightly messy dispute, though David Eddings’ departure from his role as ClapTrap was infinitely more public and volatile. 

The voice actor has yet to acknowledge their response, and most likely won’t, but for now the game – sans the original Rhys actor – is now available on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC.

What are your thoughts on the back and forth regarding voice talent? Was that a contributing factor to your enjoyment of Borderlands 3? Hit us up with your thoughts over on Twitter @PrimaGames


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Liana Ruppert
With an arguably unhealthy obsession with Dragon Age and Mass Effect, Liana is wildly passionate about all things in the gaming community. From shooters, to RPGs, if it's out - she's playing it. A medically retired US Sailor and now full-time hoarder of gaming collectibles, Liana's passion for everything in the gaming industry is palpable. Also, if you lose her in a crowd, just casually mention any BioWare game and the crazy pterodactyl screech will without a doubt follow. You can follow her on Twitter @DirtyEffinHippy or email her for editorial inquiries at [email protected]!