A Complicated Genius: Take-Two Boss Weighs in on Randy Pitchford’s “Big Personality”

The video game industry, particularly the business side of it, is often a world of carefully crafted press releases and sanitized public images. So when an executive like Randy Pitchford, the CEO of Gearbox Entertainment, makes a controversial public statement, it tends to make waves. Following a recent incident where Pitchford’s comments on the potential $80 price tag of Borderlands 4 sparked widespread backlash, many in the community wondered how his new bosses at Take-Two Interactive would respond. In a revealing new interview, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick offered a surprising and candid defense of Pitchford, acknowledging his controversial nature while reaffirming his value to the company.

Zelnick’s comments came in the wake of a social media firestorm that erupted when Pitchford responded to a fan’s concern about the price of Borderlands 4. Pitchford’s response, which included the line “If you’re a real fan, you’ll find a way to make it happen,” was widely criticized for being tone-deaf and dismissive of players’ financial concerns. This incident, while quickly addressed by Pitchford himself in a follow-up post, once again put a spotlight on his history of public controversies. Zelnick’s response, however, was not one of condemnation, but of support, signaling a complex and interesting dynamic between the corporate giant and its newly acquired creative head.

“I Still Love Him to Death”: Zelnick’s Surprising Support

In the interview with IGN, Zelnick was asked directly if he gets nervous when Pitchford goes on a social media tirade. His response was both diplomatic and deeply personal. “I love Randy, first of all. Let me just say that on the record,” Zelnick began. “And I love his big personality. I love his passion and he is one of the all time great game makers. He also can be controversial at times—sometimes intentionally, sometimes unintentionally. I still love him to death.”

This statement is particularly significant given Pitchford’s history. From legal battles with former employees to a series of gaffes and odd public appearances, Pitchford has long been a lightning rod for controversy. His outspoken nature is a stark contrast to the more reserved public personas of other major studio heads. However, Zelnick’s comments suggest that Take-Two sees this as a feature, not a bug. They view Pitchford as a passionate, creative force whose occasional public missteps are a small price to pay for his immense talent as a game maker and the success of franchises like Borderlands. The $460 million acquisition of Gearbox from Embracer Group in March of 2024 was a massive investment, and Zelnick’s faith in Pitchford, despite his public antics, is a clear indication that Take-Two believes he is a core component of that investment’s value.

The Price of Borderlands 4 and Variable Pricing

Zelnick also took the opportunity to address the controversy surrounding the price of Borderlands 4 itself. He confirmed that the game would be priced at $70, not the $80 that had been a point of contention. He framed this decision not as a reaction to the public backlash, but as part of Take-Two’s long-standing strategy of “variable pricing.” Zelnick explained that the company’s goal is always to deliver “more value than whatever we charge consumers,” and that the price of each game is determined by its individual merits and the value it offers to the player. He reiterated this philosophy by mentioning other titles, such as the new Mafia: The Old Country, which is priced at $50. This response, while not a direct apology for Pitchford’s comments, served to calm fears about rising game prices and positioned Take-Two as a company that prioritizes consumer value.

This incident, in which a controversial public comment was followed by a CEO’s public defense and a clarification of corporate pricing strategy, highlights the increasingly complex relationship between developers, publishers, and the public. For Take-Two, Randy Pitchford is a key creative asset whose public persona is part of the package. While his comments may cause momentary drama, Zelnick’s support shows that the company is willing to absorb that risk for the potential reward of another massively successful title like Borderlands 4. For fans, it’s a reminder that behind the corporate facade, there are still big personalities at play, and sometimes, those personalities come with a bit of controversy.