Borderlands 4 has been facing some solid criticism regarding its technical performance. In light of this, Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford made headlines with his blunt advice: players who aren’t satisfied should consider getting a refund through Steam.
Since the game’s launch last week, Pitchford has been quite vocal on social media, asserting that the game runs “pretty damn optimal.” He emphasized that PC gamers need to understand the relationship between their hardware and the software they use. In his view, players must take more responsibility for optimizing their services.
One frustrated player responded, “Your product doesn’t meet the standards,” saying it took days to get the game to run decently. In response, Pitchford tweeted, “The game is the game. Please get a refund if you aren’t happy with it.” He compared the situation to a car, suggesting you can’t expect a Ferrari engine to perform well in a monster truck.
He continued, explaining that players can enhance their experience using tools like DLSS to improve frame rates. “The game is designed to feel great at 60 frames per second and is still enjoyable at 30,” he stated.
Despite these performance concerns, Borderlands 4 remains incredibly popular. Recent statistics revealed that the game peaked at over 304,000 concurrent players on Steam, making it a hit, though not quite surpassing titles like Hollow Knight: Silksong.
Borderlands’ official account shared some impressive player statistics, such as the number of items looted and bosses defeated. Pitchford praised the community engagement, stating, “Holy bananas, you guys played a LOT over the weekend!” He also mentioned that the online services held up well, which was a huge relief for the developers.
Interestingly, feedback has led the developers to consider a POV slider for console players to help reduce motion sickness. This could be a game-changer for many players, indicating that the developers are listening and willing to adapt based on user reactions.
In a time where gaming communities often clash with developers, Pitchford’s approach might seem harsh, but it highlights a growing trend in the industry: players are demanding better performance, and developers are challenged to keep pace with ever-evolving technology. As games become more complex, understanding hardware needs—just like Pitchford suggests—will be crucial for players looking to enhance their gaming experience.
For more insights, check out [this report](https://www.gamesindustry.biz/report) on gaming performance trends.
.png?width=1200&height=630&fit=crop&enable=upscale&auto=webp&w=300&resize=300,300&ssl=1)
