Fans React to Controversial

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James Brizuela is a contributing sports and entertainment writer located in Los Angeles. His focus is on Comics, Comic Book Movies, Video Games, NFL, and MMA. He has in-depth knowledge of the NFL as a whole, having been a fan for over 30 years, and covering the sports over the last six years. He also knows the ins and outs of the comics world, becoming an editor while covering everything DC and beyond on Comic Book Resources, Giant Freakin Robot, and Inside the Magic. James joined Newsweek in March 2024, having previously written NFL content for Sports Illustrated. He is a graduate of the University of California, Riverside. You can get in touch with James by emailing, j.brizuela@newsweek.com. You can find him at X @james_brizuela. 

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Gearbox Software has made a name for itself by releasing the ever-popular “Borderlands” series. The shoot-em-up RPG features zany boss fights, hilarious and over-the-top toilet humor, and a ridiculous amount of guns to choose from.

The series began in 2009 when the first “Borderlands” was released. The series, which includes three mainline games, and a series of spinoffs, has sold over 77 million copies, according to Wikipedia.

Simply put, the “Borderlands” series is a mainstay, and the fourth installment is set for release on Sept 12, 2025. It has been six years since “Borderlands 3” was released, and fans are eagerly awaiting “Borderlands 4.”

While the trailers and looks at the upcoming sequel have been filled with excitement, there is one controversial change that has warranted major responses from fans.

According to IGN, “Borderlands 4” contains a setting that will allow players to quiet down the lovable and quite annoying Claptrap. Claptrap was introduced in the first game, and he follows around the main character, spewing out random anecdotes, jokes, and so much more.

Claptrap has also become the de facto mascot of the series, leaving fans wondering why this setting even exists.

“Isn’t the entire point of Claptrap to annoy the player as much as possible?” one fan wrote.

“The Easter egg is the setting works in reverse and he only gets louder because he knows you tried to silence him 😂,”: another replied.

“I will NOT make Claptrap quieter….i LOVE CLAPTRAP😭,” wrote.

“Why would you want claptrap to be quiet? He’s the main protagonist,” another questioned.

Though the idea for quieting Claptrap down might be to give the main character some peace and quiet, fans are rallying to question why Gearbox Software would make such a controversial setting.

Granted, Claptrap can be quite burdensome throughout the series, but he also serves as the comic relief throughout the series. His presence is one of the most welcome, albeit he has to talk and prattle on every chance he gets.

The “Borderlands” series got so popular that a movie adaptation was created. Sadly, the adaptation was not a massive hit and bombed at the box office. Deadline reported that the adaptation lost $80 million.

Despite the box office bomb, the characters in the adaptation included the beloved Claptrap, who was voiced by fan-favorite actor Jack Black.

Simply put, there has been a lot of effort made for the character Claptrap to remain his zany self, and it appears fans are not keen on “Borderlands 4” having a setting where you can shut off the robot.

For more video games, head to Newsweek Video Games.