As anticipation builds for the release of Borderlands 4, the gaming community is abuzz with discussions about its pricing. Gearbox Software has yet to officially announce the price, but speculation is rife that it might exceed $80. In a now-controversial statement, Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford suggested that "real fans" would find a way to purchase the game, regardless of its cost. This remark, made in response to a fan's concern on Twitter (X) on May 14, has sparked a significant backlash among the fanbase.

Gearbox CEO's Statement on Pricing

The debate over Borderlands 4's price point intensified following Pitchford's comments. Fans expressed their frustration and disappointment in the comments section, with many criticizing the CEO's approach. One user highlighted the potential for additional costs, suggesting that the base game's price, coupled with season passes and cosmetic skins, could push the total expenditure well over $100.

During a PAX East panel on May 10, Pitchford elaborated on the pricing issue, stating that he was unaware of the final price but acknowledged the increasing costs of game development. He mentioned that Borderlands 4 had a development budget more than double that of Borderlands 3, attributing the potential high price to these rising costs and tariffs on retail packaging. His comments left fans feeling that their concerns were not adequately addressed, leading to doubts about their commitment to purchasing the game.

Take-Two Interactive's Perspective on Pricing

In contrast, Take-Two Interactive, the publisher behind Borderlands 4, took a more measured approach to the pricing debate. In an interview with IGN, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick emphasized the value provided by their games, comparing them favorably to other forms of entertainment. He reiterated the company's commitment to delivering exceptional value, stating, "It's our job to deliver much more value than what we charge."

Zelnick also touched on the concept of variable pricing, noting that Take-Two tailors the price of each game individually. This approach was further highlighted by the announcement that the upcoming title Mafia: The Old Country would be priced at $50, and rumors that GTA VI might exceed $100 have been circulating.

Despite the controversy, Take-Two remains committed to its game-by-game pricing strategy. In a conversation with GamesIndustry.biz on May 16, Zelnick reinforced this stance, saying, "We've always had variable pricing here, and our job as an entertainment [company] seeking to bring the biggest and best hits to all consumers around the world is always to deliver more value than what we charge."

The recent developments surrounding the Borderlands series, including review bombing due to EULA changes, underscore the importance of Gearbox listening to its community. As Borderlands 4 gears up for its release on September 12, 2025, across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC, the company must navigate these pricing concerns carefully.

For the latest updates on Borderlands 4, be sure to check out our dedicated article below!