Is Your PC to Blame for Borderlands 4's Performance Problems?

Borderlands 4 has officially launched, boasting over 300,000 concurrent players on Steam but facing criticism for performance issues on both PC and consoles. Gearbox's CEO, Randy Pitchford, acknowledges some minor issues but asserts that they affect only a small percentage of players. The game currently holds a 'Mixed' rating on Steam, with many users reporting crashes and stuttering. While a patch has been released for PC, concerns remain regarding the lack of an FOV slider on consoles and ongoing performance problems.

Last updated: 30 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Borderlands 4 has over 300,000 concurrent players on Steam.
• The game holds a 'Mixed' rating, with performance issues reported by many players.
• Gearbox's CEO claims only a small percentage of users are affected by significant issues.
• A patch for PC has been released to improve stability.
• The absence of an FOV slider on consoles is acknowledged but not yet resolved.

Performance Issues and Player Feedback

Since its launch, Borderlands 4 has garnered mixed reactions from players, primarily revolving around performance-related complaints. Out of over 16,000 reviews on Steam, approximately 33% are negative, with many citing crashes and stuttering as key problems. Players have expressed frustration over the game's stability, particularly on PC, where issues have been pronounced.

In addition to the performance problems, console players, especially on the PlayStation 5, have also reported similar issues. A notable complaint among console users is the absence of a field of view (FOV) slider, which many gamers consider essential for an immersive experience. Gearbox has indicated that they are "exploring" the addition of this feature in a future update, raising hopes for an improvement in gameplay experience.

Gearbox's Response to Complaints

In the wake of growing dissatisfaction, Randy Pitchford took to X (formerly Twitter) to address the concerns raised by players. He stated that every PC gamer must understand the interplay between their hardware and the software they are running. Pitchford maintained that the game is optimised to function efficiently, suggesting that players could adjust settings to enhance their experience.

He claimed, "We have made an amazing game... The game is pretty damn optimal." However, this assertion has been met with scepticism by players who feel that the performance issues contradict the notion of an optimally functioning game. Pitchford's comments imply that players should take personal responsibility for their gaming experience, utilising settings to balance frame rates, resolution, and rendering features to their liking.

Patch Updates and Future Improvements

Despite the launch difficulties, Gearbox has committed to addressing performance issues. A patch was rolled out for PC shortly after launch, aimed at improving stability across various hardware configurations. While this update has reportedly resolved some issues, many players remain frustrated, believing that more significant fixes are necessary.

Pitchford acknowledged that there are indeed some issues affecting a minority of players, but he emphasised that these are being addressed promptly. He reiterated that the development team is dedicated to enhancing the overall performance of Borderlands 4 and that they are continuously working on improvements.

The Controversy Over AI Upscaling

Another point of contention has arisen from the game's reliance on AI upscaling technology, specifically DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling). Critics argue that this reliance is indicative of the game's overall optimisation shortcomings. Pitchford responded sarcastically to one critic, inviting them to "code your own engine" if they believed they could do better. His comments have sparked further debate within the gaming community regarding the use of AI technology in game development.

Concerns About Review Practices

Compounding the controversy surrounding Borderlands 4 is the decision by Gearbox not to provide review codes to certain outlets before the game's launch. This practice typically raises red flags about a game's quality, suggesting that the publisher may be aware of underlying issues that could affect player experience. It is noteworthy that no console versions were sent for review, with Metacritic listing only one press review for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S at this time.

Such practices may lead players to question the transparency of the game's launch and the reliability of its current state. With the Nintendo Switch 2 version set to release on 3 October, many potential buyers may wish to wait for reviews to avoid a repeat of the current performance issues.

The Future of Borderlands 4

As players await further updates, the future of Borderlands 4 remains uncertain. While Gearbox is actively working on patches and performance improvements, the extent of these changes and their impact on player experience is yet to be seen. The company's focus on optimising the game for various hardware configurations will be crucial in regaining player trust and satisfaction.

The ongoing discourse about the game highlights the broader challenges faced by developers in the modern gaming landscape. With increasing expectations for performance and quality, balancing technical optimisation with creative aspirations can lead to significant hurdles. As the gaming community continues to voice its opinions, it remains to be seen how Gearbox will respond and adapt to these challenges moving forward.

Call to Action

As the situation develops, it will be interesting to monitor the effectiveness of Gearbox's patches and player feedback regarding future updates. Will the company be able to turn the tide of player sentiment? The success of Borderlands 4 may ultimately hinge on how well it addresses these performance concerns. #Borderlands4 #GamingCommunity #GearboxSoftware

FAQs

What are the main issues players are facing with Borderlands 4?

Players have reported performance problems such as crashes, stuttering, and other stability issues on both PC and consoles. Many have also expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of an FOV slider on consoles.

How has Gearbox responded to the complaints?

Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford has acknowledged some minor issues but claims they affect a small percentage of players. He encourages users to adjust their settings to optimise performance according to their hardware.

Has Gearbox released any patches for Borderlands 4?

Yes, Gearbox released a patch for PC shortly after launch to improve stability and performance across various hardware configurations. The company is committed to ongoing improvements.

What is DLSS and why is it controversial in Borderlands 4?

DLSS, or Deep Learning Super Sampling, is an AI upscaling technology that enhances graphics performance. Critics argue that the game's reliance on this technology indicates optimisation issues, leading to debate within the gaming community.

What should players consider before buying Borderlands 4?

Potential buyers should be aware of the reported performance issues and consider waiting for further reviews or patches before making a purchase, especially for the upcoming console versions.