Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford has pledged to grant terminally ill Borderlands fan Caleb McAlpine early access to the highly anticipated Borderlands 4.
Terminally Ill Gamer's Wish to Play Borderlands 4 Early
Gearbox CEO's Promise: Making a Dream Come True
Caleb McAlpine, a 37-year-old Borderlands enthusiast battling terminal cancer, made an emotional appeal on Reddit. Diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in August, he expressed his ardent desire to experience Borderlands 4, slated for a 2025 release, before his passing.
McAlpine's heartfelt plea resonated deeply, reaching Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford. Pitchford responded on Twitter (X), assuring McAlpine and the community that they would "do whatever we can to make something happen." Subsequent communication between Pitchford and McAlpine has confirmed ongoing efforts to fulfill this wish.
Borderlands 4, unveiled at Gamescom Opening Night Live 2024, is currently projected for a 2025 release. However, this timeframe presents a significant challenge for McAlpine, whose prognosis, as detailed on his GoFundMe page, estimates a life expectancy of 7 to 12 months, possibly extending to two years with successful treatment.
Despite his prognosis, McAlpine maintains a positive outlook, drawing strength from his faith. His GoFundMe campaign, aiming to raise $9,000 for medical expenses, has already garnered significant support, exceeding $6,210 at the time of writing.
Gearbox's History of Supporting Fans
This act of compassion from Gearbox isn't unprecedented. In 2019, they provided an early copy of Borderlands 3 to Trevor Eastman, another Borderlands fan battling cancer. Sadly, Eastman passed away later that year, but his memory lives on through the "Trevonator," a legendary in-game weapon named in his honor.
Furthermore, in 2011, Gearbox honored the memory of Michael Mamaril, a beloved fan, by creating an NPC in Borderlands 2 named after him, providing a lasting tribute within the game's world.
While Borderlands 4's official release remains some time away, Gearbox's commitment to McAlpine and its history of supporting fans underscores their dedication to the community. As Pitchford emphasized in a Business Wire press release, the team is striving to elevate the Borderlands experience in Borderlands 4. Further details regarding the game's features and enhancements are eagerly anticipated. In the interim, fans can add Borderlands 4 to their Steam wishlists to stay informed about the upcoming release.
