Borderlands 4: Early Look Revives Dying Fan's Hope

Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford fulfills the heartfelt wish of a dying Borderlands fan, promising early access to the highly anticipated Borderlands 4.

Terminally Ill Gamer's Wish to Play Borderlands 4 Early Granted

Gearbox CEO's Promise: Making a Dying Fan's Dream Come True

Caleb McAlpine, a 37-year-old battling terminal cancer, expressed his fervent desire to experience Borderlands 4 before his passing. His Reddit plea resonated deeply with the gaming community, and ultimately, with Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford. Diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in August, Caleb's love for the Borderlands franchise fueled his wish to play the upcoming installment, slated for a 2025 release.

McAlpine's emotional appeal, shared on Reddit, asked for assistance in contacting Gearbox to explore the possibility of early access. Pitchford responded swiftly on Twitter (X), pledging to explore every avenue to make Caleb's dream a reality. He confirmed subsequent email communication with McAlpine, indicating active efforts to grant his request.

Revealed at Gamescom Opening Night Live 2024, Borderlands 4's 2025 release window leaves a significant timeframe before launch, barring any unforeseen delays. However, McAlpine's situation underscores the urgency of his wish. His GoFundMe page details his stage 4 colon and liver cancer diagnosis, with doctors estimating a life expectancy of 7 to 12 months, potentially extending to two years with successful treatment.

Despite his prognosis, McAlpine maintains a positive outlook. His September GoFundMe update highlights his unwavering faith and determination to fight his illness. The page has already raised $6,210 from 128 donations, nearing its $9,000 goal for medical expenses and essential needs.

Gearbox's History of Supporting Fans

This compassionate act isn't unprecedented for Gearbox. In 2019, they provided an early copy of Borderlands 3 to Trevor Eastman, another fan battling cancer. Eastman, sadly, passed away later that year, but his memory lives on – Gearbox immortalized him by naming a legendary weapon, the Trevonator, in his honor.

Further demonstrating their commitment to their community, Gearbox also honored the memory of Michael Mamaril, a Borderlands fan who passed away in 2011. They created an NPC in Borderlands 2 named after him, paying tribute to his love for the game and his favorite character, Claptrap.

While Borderlands 4's official launch remains some time away, Gearbox's actions demonstrate a profound commitment to their fans. As Pitchford stated in a Business Wire press release, Gearbox is dedicated to surpassing expectations for Borderlands 4, pushing the franchise to new heights. Further details about the game's features remain anticipated. In the meantime, fans can add Borderlands 4 to their Steam wishlists and stay updated on its release.