Randy Pitchford, CEO of Gearbox, has recently stirred up controversy with his remarks regarding potential post-release discounts for Borderlands 4. As one of the most anticipated game releases of 2025, early previews suggest that Borderlands 4 may meet fans’ expectations. However, Pitchford’s comments about the game’s price have drawn criticism from gamers.
Last month, Pitchford faced backlash when discussing the possibility of Borderlands 4 costing $80, a trend seen in other recent releases like Nintendo’s Mario Kart World and Xbox’s The Outer Worlds 2. When a concerned fan voiced objections, Pitchford suggested that true fans would “find a way to make it happen,” regardless of the price, which led to negative reactions and ultimately an apology from him. Fans were relieved when Gearbox and 2K later confirmed that the price would be set at $70.
The latest gameplay trailer for Borderlands 4 has showcased similarities to Bungie’s Destiny 2, fueling excitement for the upcoming release. However, Pitchford seems to have reignited fan ire by predicting on Twitter that it would take much longer for Borderlands 4 to see significant sales or appear on subscription services compared to its predecessor, Borderlands 3. His statement came after the official Borderlands account announced a remarkable discount on the latter’s game during the Steam Summer Sale.
The timeline for deep discounts on Borderlands 4 will largely depend on its performance; poor critical and commercial reception might lead to quicker sales. Pitchford, recalling Borderlands 3’s mixed reception in 2019, appears hopeful for this new installment. He reminded fans that while he can’t set prices or approve discounts, he is merely offering a prediction about the game’s future.
Borderlands 4 is slated for release on September 12 and will be available on Xbox Series X and S, PlayStation 5, and PC, with a version for the Nintendo Switch 2 expected later this year. Meanwhile, Borderlands 3 is currently on sale for $2.99 until July 10 as part of the Steam Summer Sale, providing an excellent opportunity for new players to experience the game.