Randy Pitchford has said that he will use “all the leverage and influence [he] can to get [Borderlands 3] on Valve’s store as soon as reasonably possible”… so long as “Gaben” (Valve’s Gabe Newell) announces Half-Life 3. This follows the reveal that the PC version of Borderlands 3 will be available exclusively through the Epic Games Store for the first six months after its release date of September 13.
Crazy Earl talking: It’s not my call, but if Gaben legit announces Half-Life 3, I will use all the leverage and influence I can to get our game on Valve’s store as soon as reasonably possible. No promises, but I would go as bananas for HL3 as you all are going for Borderlands 3.
— Randy Pitchford (@DuvalMagic) April 3, 2019
Prior to the Borderlands 3 Epic Games Store exclusivity confirmation, Pitchford had voiced support of the platform on Twitter, saying “I am excited to support the Epic Games Store.” This lead to a mixed response from fans, with some growing concerned about the potential exclusivity deals that could affect upcoming Gearbox titles, like the then unannounced Borderlands 3.
On April 1, Pitchford posted a Twitter thread in which he explained that “2K/Take Two has exclusive publishing rights for Borderlands 3 and makes all decisions regarding price-points, territories, distribution and platform partnerships.” He then recommended that all inquiries related to the listed topics be directed towards 2K.
Continuing the Twitter thread, Pitchford once again defended exclusives, saying that “he’s happy to shop in different stores” and that “exclusives are fine when they come [with] advantages and when they are short – say, six months :)” The “six months” mentioned here is the exact duration Borderlands 3 will be tied to the Epic Games Store.
2K/Take Two has exclusive publishing rights for Borderlands 3 and makes all decisions regarding price-points, territories, distribution and platform partnerships. Please direct all inquiries regarding any of those topics to 2K. We are *just* the talent. 1/3
— Randy Pitchford (@DuvalMagic) April 1, 2019
On April 2, Pitchford reminded his followers that 2K/Take Two makes the decisions regarding publishing, ultimately asking in a seemingly exasperated tone: “Do you not understand?”
Despite his above tweets, the Gearbox CEO has now said that he’ll do everything he can to release Borderlands 3 on Steam, so long as Valve announce the mythical Half-Life 3, a game that has inspired memes and become legend as a game that will probably never see the light of day, despite fans begging for it.
When asked if he is serious, Pitchford said “I’m not joking.” Your move, Valve, I suppose?
