Borderlands 4 has arrived, securing both acclaim and strong sales, yet its rollout has been plagued by persistent technical glitches. Such challenges aren’t unheard of for blockbuster titles, but Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford’s reactions have added fuel to the fire, stirring frustration among fans.

Known for unfiltered online remarks, Pitchford’s latest clash revolves around performance critiques. Previously sparking debates over pricing, he now targets players insisting on 4K resolution, suggesting their preferences contribute to the game’s instability. While developers typically focus on fixes during rocky launches, Pitchford’s bluntness has drawn attention away from the team’s efforts.

As Gamesradar notes, Baldur’s Gate 3’s publishing head Michael Douse expressed sympathy for Gearbox staff navigating the fallout. “Just stash Randy in a supply closet for half a year,” Douse quipped on X. While some praised Pitchford’s transparency over scripted corporate replies, Douse emphasized concern for developers striving to improve the experience: “It’s tough watching teams work tirelessly to please fans while leadership stirs the pot.”

Pitchford’s candidness contrasts sharply with industry norms, where polished messaging often eclipses raw feedback. His retort—urging critics to “try coding a masterpiece themselves”—highlights development complexities, yet downplays legitimate grievances. Players investing in a full-price title expect functionality, even if perfection remains elusive.

Despite ongoing patches addressing crashes and bugs, dissatisfaction lingers among buyers. Pitchford’s directive to disgruntled fans—“Request a Steam refund if unsatisfied”—underscores a polarizing stance. While pragmatic, it risks alienating an audience already grappling with a flawed product.