Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford pledges to grant terminally ill Borderlands fan Caleb McAlpine's wish to play Borderlands 4 early.
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, appealed to the gaming community on Reddit with an emotional request: 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 upcoming title, slated for a 2025 release.
McAlpine's heartfelt message didn't go unnoticed. Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford responded on Twitter (X), promising to explore every avenue to fulfill Caleb's wish. Pitchford expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support and assured Caleb that they would "do everything possible to make it happen," confirming ongoing email communication.
Borderlands 4, revealed at Gamescom Opening Night Live 2024, is currently projected for a 2025 release. However, this timeframe presents a significant challenge for Caleb, whose prognosis, according to his GoFundMe page, estimates 7-12 months to live, possibly extending to two years with successful treatment.
Despite his prognosis, McAlpine maintains a positive outlook. In a September GoFundMe update, he shared his unwavering faith and determination to fight his illness. His GoFundMe campaign, aiming to raise $9,000 for medical expenses, has already garnered over $6,210 from 128 generous donors.
Gearbox's History of Supporting Fans
This isn't Gearbox's first act of kindness towards ill fans. In 2019, 27-year-old Trevor Eastman, battling cancer, received an early copy of Borderlands 3 thanks to Gearbox's intervention. Sadly, Eastman passed away later that year, but his memory lives on through the in-game legendary weapon, the Trevonator, named in his honor.
Another poignant example is the tribute to Michael Mamaril, a Borderlands fan who passed away in 2011. Following a request from his friend, Gearbox included an NPC in Borderlands 2 named after Mamaril, who rewards players with valuable loot, culminating in the "Tribute to A Vault Hunter" achievement.
While Borderlands 4's official release remains some time away, Gearbox's commitment to fulfilling McAlpine's wish offers hope. As Pitchford emphasized in a Business Wire press release, the team is dedicated to exceeding expectations with Borderlands 4.
Further details regarding the game's features and direction are eagerly awaited. In the meantime, fans can add Borderlands 4 to their Steam wishlists and stay updated on the latest news.
