Borderlands 4 Preview: Dying Fan's Dream Comes True

Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford has pledged to help terminally ill Borderlands fan Caleb McAlpine play the upcoming Borderlands 4 early, fulfilling a heartfelt wish.

Terminally Ill Gamer's Wish to Play Borderlands 4 Early

Gearbox CEO Responds to Fan's Plea

Caleb McAlpine, a 37-year-old Borderlands enthusiast battling terminal cancer, made an emotional appeal on Reddit: He yearned to experience Borderlands 4 before his passing. Diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in August, Caleb expressed his deep love for the series and his desire to play the anticipated 2025 release.

McAlpine's request resonated deeply, reaching Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford. Pitchford responded on Twitter (X), committing to making Caleb's wish a reality. He thanked those who brought the request to his attention and assured Caleb they would explore every avenue to make it happen, confirming ongoing email communication.

Borderlands 4, unveiled at Gamescom Opening Night Live 2024, is slated for a 2025 release. However, this timeframe presents a significant challenge for McAlpine, whose prognosis, according to his GoFundMe page, is 7-12 months, possibly extending to two years with successful treatment.

Despite his diagnosis, McAlpine maintains a positive outlook. His September GoFundMe update reflects his unwavering faith and determination.

His GoFundMe campaign has raised over $6,210, nearing its $9,000 goal to cover medical expenses and other necessities.

Gearbox's History of Supporting Fans

This act of kindness isn't unprecedented for Gearbox. In 2019, they provided an early copy of Borderlands 3 to Trevor Eastman, another fan battling cancer. Sadly, Eastman passed away later that year, but his memory lives on through the "Trevonator" legendary weapon named in his honor.

Furthermore, in 2011, Gearbox honored the memory of Michael Mamaril by creating an NPC in Borderlands 2, fulfilling a request from his friend.

Gearbox's commitment to its community is evident. While Borderlands 4's release remains some time away, McAlpine and other fans can anticipate a game developed with care and dedication, as emphasized by Pitchford in a Business Wire press release.

Further details regarding Borderlands 4's features await. In the meantime, fans can add it to their Steam wishlists and follow updates on its release.