Gearbox denies spyware claims amid Borderlands review bombings

Gearbox Software has issued an official statement addressing recent controversies surrounding parent company Take-Two's updated Terms of Service, particularly concerns about alleged "spyware" in Borderlands titles.

Posted directly on Steam, where community backlash manifested through review-bombing campaigns across all major Borderlands games, the communication seeks to clarify misconceptions while "maintaining transparency and trust with players." The statement specifically addresses two major concerns that have dominated fan discussions: data collection practices and modding restrictions.

Gearbox immediately dispels the spyware rumors: "Take-Two does not implement spyware in its games." While acknowledging some data collection occurs, the company reassures players their private information isn't being indiscriminately harvested.

"Take-Two outlines these practices in its Privacy Policy to ensure transparency and legal compliance," the Steam statement explains. "Collected data serves to enhance services, safeguard gameplay integrity, and improve player experiences. Detailed information is available in our Privacy Policy."

The clarification continues: "For instance, collecting player and device identifiers helps optimize game compatibility across different platforms and browsers. This data helps us understand play patterns and personalize experiences - like properly displaying usernames. Account credentials are only gathered from players who voluntarily create accounts with Take-Two or its subsidiaries."

It remains uncertain whether Gearbox's explanation will satisfy critics who protested when Take-Two revised its Terms last February. Regarding modding policies, the studio's position appears more definitive.

"Take-Two's Terms prohibit mods that create unfair advantages, disrupt intended gameplay experiences, or provide unauthorized content access," the statement specifies. "These measures preserve fair play standards for our entire player base."

This directly responds to community fears about potential blanket bans on mods, emphasizing Take-Two primarily targets cheating modifications affecting multiplayer experiences. Gearbox explicitly states its parent company "typically refrains from action against single-player, non-commercial mods that respect intellectual property rights."

The controversy emerged in May when players discovered Take-Two's updated terms affecting multiple titles. Accusations of aggressive data collection rapidly spread, triggering review campaigns that pushed Recent Reviews for Borderlands 1, 2, and 3 into "Mostly Negative" or "Overwhelmingly Negative" territory. While tensions temporarily eased in late May, concerns resurged when Borderlands 2 became free-to-claim during a limited June 5 promotion.

Currently, the Borderlands franchise maintains predominantly negative Recent Reviews on Steam. Meanwhile, Gearbox prepares for Borderlands 4's September launch. For updates and gameplay previews, check coverage from April 2025's State of Play presentation.