Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford has pledged to grant the wish of a terminally ill Borderlands fan, Caleb McAlpine, to experience the upcoming Borderlands 4 early.
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 battling stage 4 cancer, expressed his heartfelt desire to play Borderlands 4 before his passing on Reddit. Diagnosed in August, he shared his deep love for the series and his hope to experience the anticipated 2025 release.
McAlpine's plea resonated deeply, prompting Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford to respond on X (formerly Twitter) with a commitment to fulfill this wish. Pitchford expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support and assured McAlpine that they would explore every avenue to make it happen, confirming subsequent email communication.
Borderlands 4, revealed at Gamescom Opening Night Live 2024, is currently slated 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 7-12 months, potentially 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 $6,210 in donations.
Gearbox's History of Supporting Fans
This act of compassion aligns with Gearbox's past actions. 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 in-game weapon, the Trevonator, named in his honor.
In 2011, Gearbox honored the memory of Michael Mamaril, a deceased fan, by creating an NPC in Borderlands 2 named after him, providing players with valuable loot and a unique achievement.
While Borderlands 4's release remains some time away, Gearbox's commitment to McAlpine and its history of supporting its community underscores its dedication to creating a cherished gaming experience. Pitchford's statement in a Business Wire press release highlighted Gearbox's ambitious goals for Borderlands 4, promising improvements and exciting new directions. Further details are eagerly awaited by fans. In the meantime, players can add Borderlands 4 to their Steam wishlists.
