Randy Pitchford, the head of Gearbox, has been actively responding to player concerns about the PC version of Borderlands 4. Recently, he let players know they could get a refund from Steam if they were disappointed with the game’s performance.
Since its launch, Borderlands 4 has received mixed reviews on Steam. Many negative comments focus on performance issues, particularly with stuttering. Tech analysis from Digital Foundry highlights these problems, especially on higher settings, indicating that the game struggles under heavy demands.
Pitchford has been vocal on social media, offering advice on improving gameplay performance. He emphasizes using tools like DLSS, which some players have pushed back against. His responses mix helpful hints with a hint of frustration, reminding players they can opt for refunds or wait for future hardware upgrades.
“I’m just trying to assist those struggling with their experience,” Pitchford said. He highlights that players can adjust settings for better performance now or wait for updates as technology improves. Such realities are common in gaming — as seen historically with titles like Cyberpunk 2077, which faced a rocky launch but significantly improved over time.
Some players feel uneasy about being directed to use features like DLSS. Pitchford’s reminders can sometimes come off as dismissive. He’s noted that while the game is designed to perform well even at lower frame rates, players should actively adjust their settings to find a balance that suits them.
Gearbox did release an optimization guide for Nvidia users, although responses have been mixed regarding its effectiveness. They remind players that changes to graphics settings require a bit of patience as shaders need recompiling, which can affect initial performance perception.
Interestingly, Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Take-Two, Gearbox’s parent company, expressed a fondness for Pitchford despite his controversial nature. He noted that while Pitchford can stir debate, it’s a part of his enthusiastic personality.
Overall, Gearbox is committed to addressing performance issues. With continuous updates and community feedback, players can expect enhancements in the future.
For fans diving into Borderlands 4, it’s important to stay informed. Check out the latest guides on how to optimize settings, and don’t forget to take advantage of community resources to navigate this evolving game landscape.
Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images.
