Borderlands 4 has come under fire for performance issues, prompting a public statement from the game’s boss advising dissatisfied players to seek refunds from Steam. The direct instruction has stirred debate among fans who question the developer’s approach to resolving in-game technical challenges.
Borderlands 4 boss tells players “please get a refund from Steam if you aren’t happy” as Randy Pitchford continues his very public crashout over the FPS’s performance woes

Key Takeaways:
- Borderlands 4 faces ongoing complaints over frame rate problems
- Developer Randy Pitchford suggests unhappy players seek Steam refunds
- The blunt advice “play a different game” has spurred community backlash
- Fans are debating whether the stance shows accountability or disregard
- The story first appeared on Gamesradar+ on September 16, 2025
The Continuing Battle Over Borderlands 4’s Performance
Borderlands 4, the latest entry in the popular action role-playing series, has found itself at the center of a growing controversy. After its release, many players voiced mounting frustration over frame rate issues, leading to heated discussions on fan forums and social media.
Developer’s Response
Randy Pitchford, associated with Borderlands 4’s development, publicly addressed these concerns in a frank manner:
“If you’re not happy using the tools available to you to improve frame rate and you’re not happy with the frame rate you have, you should play a different game.”
He took it one step further by advising players, “Please get a refund from Steam if you aren’t happy.” This statement, while unusual in the gaming industry, clearly showcased his stance on player satisfaction.
Reactions from the Community
Reactions to Pitchford’s comments have been divided. Some fans appreciate the transparency, seeing his advice as an honest gesture for consumer protection. Others interpret it as dismissive, arguing it places the onus on players rather than pushing the developer to fix performance problems.
Examining the Impact
The performance debate highlights a broader conversation about the responsibilities of game developers to meet player expectations once a title is released. With Borderlands 4 spanning several platforms—including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC—questions remain about how these issues might affect the game’s long-term success.
Moving Forward
As fans wait to see if ongoing updates or patches will address the game’s frame rate woes, the developer’s public statements continue to spark conversations about accountability and transparency in the gaming world. For now, players dissatisfied with Borderlands 4’s performance have been given an unusually straightforward choice: fix what they can, or ask for their money back.