Gamers around the world have been talking non-stop about the rising cost of video games, and now, Randy Pitchford — founder of Gearbox Entertainment — has finally spoken up.
During a recent live panel, Pitchford addressed a question about Borderlands 4 pricing. With AAA games often touching $70 (₹5,800+ in India), many fans were concerned whether upcoming titles, like Borderlands 4, would truly offer value for money.
Pitchford didn’t dodge the question. Instead, he openly acknowledged the frustration many gamers feel today when buying full-priced games that don’t deliver.
“I get it. We work hard for our money, and games are a luxury. If you’re paying full price, the experience should be worth it,” said Pitchford.
“With Borderlands 4, I want players to feel like they got more than they paid for.”
Why Gamers Are Upset About Pricing
In recent years, video game prices have steadily gone up. In the U.S., $70 has become the new standard for top-tier console games. In India, that translates to nearly ₹6,000 or more — especially with regional price hikes on platforms like Steam and PlayStation Store.
The issue isn’t just the price tag. Many gamers feel that once they buy a game, they still have to spend more on:
- DLCs (Downloadable Content)
- Microtransactions
- Battle passes or premium items
- Season passes for extended story modes
And sometimes, the base game itself feels incomplete.
This has led to growing anger online. Forums like Reddit, Twitter, and Discord are filled with complaints from players who feel cheated after buying big-budget games that deliver short campaigns, too many bugs, or push them into in-game purchases.
Borderlands 4: Can It Justify the Cost?
The Borderlands franchise is known for its fast-paced co-op action, crazy weapons, and over-the-top humour. Borderlands 3 was a hit, but it wasn’t without criticism. Some fans complained about performance issues, bland storytelling in parts, and repetitive missions.
Now, Borderlands 4 carries high expectations — not just in terms of gameplay but in how well it justifies the price.
Randy Pitchford seems aware of that. While he didn’t reveal the exact price of Borderlands 4, he emphasized the value proposition of the upcoming game.
“We’re pouring everything into this title — from deeper storylines to more meaningful co-op mechanics. It’s not just about hours played. It’s about how those hours feel,” he said.
Features Fans Expect from Borderlands 4
While Gearbox hasn’t officially revealed all features of Borderlands 4, early leaks and community wishlists suggest fans want:
- Longer campaign mode with richer characters
- More replay value in missions
- Free or affordable DLCs
- Less push toward microtransactions
- Stable performance on PC and consoles
Pitchford hinted that the development team is actively working on feedback from Borderlands 3 to improve every aspect — from narrative arcs to loot mechanics.
A Bigger Issue: The Industry-Wide Pricing Debate
While Pitchford’s response was appreciated, it also brings attention to the larger industry issue: Why are game prices increasing so much?
Game development today takes longer, needs larger teams, and includes post-launch support like patches, content drops, and live updates. Developers argue that these costs justify higher prices.
However, players argue that the price should reflect the final experience, not just the effort.
And when publishers include aggressive monetization in addition to high upfront costs, it damages trust.
Pitchford seems to agree with that concern. While not directly calling out other studios, he made it clear that “players should feel respected.”
Final Words: Is Borderlands 4 Worth Waiting For?
While we don’t have a release date yet, Borderlands 4 seems to be shaping up as a title where Gearbox wants to win back hearts — not just sales.
Pitchford’s direct response to pricing concerns, and his commitment to making the game “earn its value,” shows at least one major voice in the industry is listening.
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