Borderlands 3 – Former Claptrap voice actor David Eddings alleges that Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford assaulted him

Borderlands 3! More guns, more infinitely quotable characters and even more silliness. Any way you slice it, Borderlands 3 looks like the kind of game that is tailor-made for fans: More of the same, some quality of life improvements slapped on top and probably at least one loading screen that features Mr Torgue abusing the Caps Lock button. EXPLOSIONS DEMAND UPPER CASE!

It’s just a pity then, that the Borderlands 3 thunder is being stolen by an ugly battle behind the scenes by former talent and management. Here’s the quick recap of the story so far: Claptrap, lovable series mascot and voiced by the beloved David Eddings. For Borderlands 3, Claptrap will be voiced by industry veteran Jim Foronda, who seems capable of doing a serviceable job.

Foronda ain’t no Eddings though, as the former Gearbox employee’s take on the character is iconic to say the least: Warm, funny and surprisingly emotional when given the chance to flex his vocal acting pipes. The current brouhaha then, is over money as Eddings explained recently how as a Gearbox employee he wasn’t compensated for his efforts.

Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford hit back, claiming that Eddings was offered fair compensation and a generous paycheque if he returned to the role. It’s an ugly story, with the animosity between Eddings and Pitchford being dialled up a whole new level by accusations of the Gearbox boss having physically assaulted ol’ Clappy:

I was fine moving on after Gearbox. But when my former boss starts mouthing off about various aspects of my employment including “how highly compensated” I was and how “generous” he is, I feel obligated to correct the record.

— David Eddings (@davideddings) May 7, 2019

I had a lot of mixed feelings when asked to reprise the role of Claptrap late last year and eventually realized I was willing to put differences aside and do something cool for Borderlands fans with my friends at Gearbox.

— David Eddings (@davideddings) May 7, 2019

I ultimately offered to do it for “free” in exchange for past royalties owed plus an apology for something I’ve never spoken about publicly until now: Randy physically assaulted me in the lobby of the Marriott Marquis at GDC 2017.

— David Eddings (@davideddings) May 7, 2019

Personally, I think Randy’s been on tilt the last few years. He's not the victim he portrays himself to be. I even blocked him a couple years ago for stalking me on social media. Enough is enough.

— David Eddings (@davideddings) May 7, 2019

It's nice not feeling the need to spot any sleight of hand these days or wonder if the card was chosen or forced. I'm happy to be free from the half-truths and full-on deceptions. And thankful to no longer hear people referred to as "muggles" like a con-man refers to a "mark".

— David Eddings (@davideddings) May 7, 2019

As an aside, seems a bit conspicuous that he chimed in on my salary but didn't mention anything about the $12M of revenue he siphoned away from the employee royalty pool. FYI – GBX employees are asked to take lower salaries with the promise of royalty shares.

— David Eddings (@davideddings) May 7, 2019

2K says they won't give a statement regarding an ongoing lawsuit but if the allegation is false then it sure seems a lot easier to just deny it since that's the only reason they're mentioned. The whole thing stinks.

— David Eddings (@davideddings) May 7, 2019

If that’s true…That’s not cool. It’s also a case of life imitating art, as poor Claptrap is usually the go-to abuse sponge within Borderlands (and thus, my spirit animal). A poor and misunderstood little bot who only wants to help people, and ends up being used and left for dead by a charismatic CEO of a massive company. Pitchford hasn’t added his two cents to the Claptastrophe yet, although hopefully, this whole situation is one that can be amicably resolved ahead of the September launch of Borderlands 3.

After all, the game and its fans, deserve the best possible loot ‘n shoot experience after waiting patiently for so many years.

Last Updated: May 7, 2019