Borderlands 4 debuted with largely good reviews from critics as well as some brutally negative reviews on Steam about optimization problems with the PC port. Gearbox Studios CEO Randy Pitchford has been one of his game’s most outspoken defenders, and he has disputed players’ accounts about performance problems in Borderlands 4. Pitchford has also continued to be vocal on social media in the face of pushback from fans.
The majority of Pitchford’s messages have included instructions and tips about how to get Borderlands 4 to perform better on PC and consoles. However, Pitchford’s frustration with his fan interactions has boiled over a few times. In the post below, Pitchford suggests that a player should “get a refund from Steam if you aren’t happy with it,” before making an analogy: “I would not put a Ferrari engine in a monster truck and expect it to drive like a Ferrari.” He also went on to offer optimization advice.
You can do whatever you want. The game is the game. Please get a refund from Steam if you aren’t happy with it. You made an analogy to a vehicle. I would not put a Ferrari engine in a monster truck and expect it to drive like a Ferrari. If you tell me about your specification, I…
— Randy Pitchford (@DuvalMagic) September 16, 2025
In a later post, Pitchford noted that a patch is in the works for PS5 Pro users who are having issues with the game.
Known issue of perf dropping on PS5 pro after several hours of continuous play. Workaround until we patch: Quit game and restart. Sorry for the friction!
— Randy Pitchford (@DuvalMagic) September 16, 2025
Pitchford shared a small selection of hate mail he received, including at least one that used racist language. When responding to a message about mods that fix some of the game’s issues, Pitchford offered to signal boost them.
Can you post a link? If they’ve got more help to offer users, I’d love to help signal boost that. We’re not an amateur studio and have worked closely with the folks at Epic and at the hardware companies to get this game made. But I’m always happy for anyone’s help to make things…
— Randy Pitchford (@DuvalMagic) September 16, 2025
Another user accused Pitchford of being “insufferable,” and he responded by reiterating his desire to help players.
I’m trying to be helpful. What do you think would be helpful? What would you have me do?
— Randy Pitchford (@DuvalMagic) September 16, 2025
There are separate issues with the game as well. Gearbox has sent out an alert about a bug that may erase all of your skill points. Gearbox has also noted the PC performance problems and offered several suggestions for players to manage them. But if you’re already knee deep in the game and looking for help, check out GameSpot’s Borderlands 4 guides hub for several helpful features, tips, and tricks.
Borderlands 4 is out now for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC. The Switch 2 port will be released on October 3.