Randy Pitchford just lobbed a grenade into the eternal debate over video game pricing, and, honestly, it caught my attention because it lays bare the industry’s weird relationship with fandom and money. When the CEO of Gearbox says “if you’re a real fan, you’ll find a way to make it happen” about shelling out €80 for Borderlands 4, it’s not just a spicy tweet-it taps into decades of tension between passionate players and the ever-rising cost of AAA games.
Pitchford’s comments blew up for a reason, and it’s not just about Borderlands. It’s about what we expect from game makers in an era where €80 is increasingly “normal”-even if plenty of us are feeling squeezed. Let’s break down what matters most in this flare-up.
Game Info
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Gearbox Software |
| Release Date | TBA |
| Genres | Action, Shooter, Looter Shooter |
| Platforms | PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S |
The real sting here isn’t just the price tag—it’s the “prove your fandom” logic. Pitchford’s story about scraping together $80 for a Sega Genesis game in 1991 might sound romantic, but the gaming landscape today is unrecognizable compared to back then. In the ’90s, games were expensive because production and distribution were niche; today, digital sales, global audiences, and an explosion of alternatives mean most gamers have options—or reason to wait for a sale.
The price hike trend isn’t new—Sony and other big publishers have been pushing €80 for AAA games for a few years. But the blowback is real. Gamers are savvier than ever, and many are quick to call out what feels like corporate gatekeeping. Pitchford’s “real fan” comment reads like a dare, but it also alienates the same community that’s made Borderlands a hit for years.
It’s also not lost on anyone that smaller studios—like Sandfall with their upcoming Clair Obscur: Expedition 33—are launching ambitious games at lower prices. Even Nintendo, notorious for never discounting, caught heat for listing Mario Kart World at €90 before retailers slashed it. The point is, if even the platform holders can waver, it’s no wonder players push back against the idea that “real fans” must pony up on day one.
For gamers, the message matters: most of us can’t drop €80 on every major release—nor should our loyalty be measured by that willingness. The real fans are the ones who keep the community alive, whether they buy day one, pick up used copies, or wait for Steam sales. If publishers want to keep us on board, respecting that reality is crucial.
TL;DR: Randy Pitchford’s “real fan” comment about Borderlands 4’s €80 price isn’t just a spicy tweet—it’s a flashpoint for an industry-wide debate about what publishers expect of their fans. As AAA prices climb, the challenge for studios like Gearbox isn’t just making great games—it’s proving they respect the people who play them, no matter how (or when) they buy in.
Source: Gearbox Software via GamesPress