Industry

The Baldur’s Gate 3 developer is blunt about the Borderlands 4 price and the $80 controversy: “gross”

The Gearbox Software boss stirred controversy with his comments about the cost of Borderlands 4.

Update: May 22nd, 2025 19:57 CEST

The price of video games is a topic on the lips of the community. Since the current generation prices were raised to $70, no other increase was expected. First, it was Nintendo announcing that Mario Kart World would cost $80, and in recent days, Randy Pitchford, CEO of Gearbox Software hinted that the upcoming Borderlands 4 could also have a price increase, sparking controversy.

While Pitchford’s message tells us about a possible industry trend (it’s worth remembering that analysts are suggesting that the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI will reach $100), the way he said it wasn’t what the community was expecting. “If you’re a real fan, you’ll find a way to make it happen,” said the executive, recalling how he spent $80 on a Sega Genesis game three decades ago. And while much of the community has had its say on the matter, Michael Douse, publishing director of Baldur’s Gate 3, stands out.

$80 per game, this is the opinion from Larian Studios

Through his social media, Douse said Pitchford’s comments are “gross”. Responding to another fan, he elaborated on his initial comment, understanding that a factor such as inflation can drive up the price of a game. “Inflation exists (we give inflation bumps for example to employees) and price increases can make sense, but saying ‘real fans will find a way’ is gross because it assumes your game is more important during a cost of living crisis than, for example, making it day to day.”

Inflation exists (we give inflation bumps for example to employees) and price increases can make sense, but saying "real fans will find a way" is gross because it assumes your game is more important during a cost of living crisis than, for example, making it day to day. https://t.co/GtIw0MJ601
— Very AFK (@Cromwelp) May 20, 2025

“Real fans are people who love & understand what you do, keep track, and engage with your shit regardless of how much they spend,” Douse added.

What’s most unfortunate about Pitchford’s comments is that, for the moment, neither 2K Games, nor its parent company, Take-Two, have announced how much the game will actually cost. Borderlands 4 will arrive for PlayStation 5, Xbox X|S Series and PC on September 12, 2025.