Fans Tell Gearbox: Skip Exclusivity, Put Borderlands on Steam


Randy Pitchford, CEO of Gearbox Software, sparked a firestorm on June 28, 2025, when he posted a poll on X asking fans about their stance on potential exclusivity deals for future Borderlands titles. The response was deafening: nearly 10,000 fans voted, with 91% demanding that Gearbox prioritize Steam over the Epic Games Store (EGS). The poll, which Pitchford framed as a hypothetical exploration of storefront exclusivity, reignited frustrations from Borderlands 3’s controversial six-month EGS exclusivity in 2019. Fans made their message clear: they want Borderlands games on Steam, no questions asked.


The Poll That Stirred the Pot

Pitchford’s X post posed a simple question: Would fans pre-order Borderlands 4 on their preferred platform to influence Gearbox’s exclusivity decisions? The poll offered four options: “Yes, Steam,” “Yes, Epic,” “No, Steam,” or “No, Epic.” The results were overwhelming:

  • 53.9%: Yes, Steam (would pre-order to ensure Steam availability)
  • 37.7%: No, Steam (prefer Steam but won’t pre-order)
  • 5.1%: Yes, Epic
  • 3.3%: No, Epic

With nearly 10,000 votes, the Steam options dominated, reflecting a deep-rooted preference for Valve’s platform. Pitchford clarified that the poll wasn’t about Borderlands 4, already confirmed for simultaneous release on Steam and EGS on September 12, 2025. Instead, it hinted at discussions among Gearbox’s “suits” (likely executives at Gearbox or parent company Take-Two Interactive) about future titles. Fans, however, saw it as a provocative echo of past missteps.


The Borderlands 3 Backlash Lingers

The Borderlands 3 EGS exclusivity deal remains a sore point for fans. In 2019, Gearbox opted for a six-month exclusivity window on EGS, a move that cost Epic nearly $150 million but alienated PC gamers accustomed to Steam’s robust features, community hubs, and extensive libraries. Players faced a choice: buy on EGS or wait until April 2020 for the Steam release. Many chose to wait, and the backlash was fierce, with fans flooding forums and social media with complaints.The memory of that decision fueled the response to Pitchford’s poll. As one X user commented, “Just put your damn games on Steam and stop playing these games with us.” Another added, “Steam or nothing, Randy. Learn from BL3.” The poll’s results suggest that fans haven’t forgotten the frustration of being locked out of their preferred platform.


Pitchford’s Controversial 2025

This isn’t Pitchford’s first brush with controversy this year. In early 2025, he floated a potential $80 price tag for Borderlands 4 (later confirmed at $70), suggesting that “real fans” would find a way to pay. He also stated that the game wouldn’t see deep discounts or appear on subscription services like Xbox Game Pass for at least five years, a stark contrast to Borderlands 3, currently available for $3 during the 2025 Steam Summer Sale. These comments, combined with the exclusivity poll, have painted Pitchford as both a passionate advocate for Borderlands and a lightning rod for criticism.Supporters argue that Pitchford’s transparency offers a rare glimpse into the financial pressures of game development, where exclusivity deals can offset rising costs. Critics, however, see his approach as tone-deaf, accusing him of toying with fans’ loyalty. The poll’s overwhelming Steam support suggests the latter sentiment is winning out.


Why Steam?

The PC Gaming DivideThe poll highlights a broader truth in PC gaming: Steam’s dominance is nearly unassailable. Valve’s platform, with its vast library, user reviews, mod support, and community features, is the default for most PC gamers. Epic’s aggressive push for exclusivity, backed by hefty financial deals, has won over some developers but alienated players who value choice and familiarity. The Borderlands 3 deal, while profitable for Epic (which reportedly recouped its investment), left Gearbox navigating a PR nightmare.Gearbox’s decision to launch Borderlands 4 on both Steam and EGS simultaneously shows they’ve taken some lessons from 2019. However, Pitchford’s poll suggests that exclusivity discussions haven’t entirely faded, possibly driven by Take-Two’s interest in lucrative deals. Fans, though, have drawn a clear line: 91% Steam loyalty signals that they want accessibility, not restrictions.


What’s Next for Borderlands?

As Borderlands 4 nears its September 2025 release, Gearbox is touting it as the series’ most ambitious entry yet. The game promises more character skills than Borderlands 2 and 3 combined, tougher bosses, and a combat radar added in response to fan feedback. These features have generated excitement, but Pitchford’s knack for stirring controversy risks overshadowing the hype.The poll’s results are a warning to Gearbox and Take-Two: fans are fiercely loyal to Steam and wary of exclusivity deals. Whether this feedback shapes future decisions remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Borderlands fans want their looter-shooter fix where they feel at home.


Conclusion

Randy Pitchford’s X poll may have been a hypothetical probe, but it struck a nerve with Borderlands fans. Nearly 10,000 votes and a 91% Steam preference send an unmistakable message: skip the exclusivity deals and prioritize player choice. As Gearbox prepares for Borderlands 4’s launch, they’d do well to listen. In a community still stinging from Borderlands 3’s EGS saga, Steam isn’t just a platform—it’s a demand.

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