Game Studio Fulfills Terminally Ill Fan's 'Borderlands 4' Dream

Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford's commitment to granting a dying Borderlands fan's wish to play Borderlands 4 early highlights the company's compassionate approach to its community.

Terminally Ill Gamer's Wish to Play Borderlands 4 Early

Gearbox CEO Pledges Support for Dying Fan

Caleb McAlpine, a 37-year-old battling terminal cancer, expressed his heartfelt desire on Reddit to experience the upcoming Borderlands 4 before his passing. Diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in August, Caleb's plea resonated deeply with the Borderlands community. He expressed his love for the series and his hope to play the anticipated 2025 release.

McAlpine's request didn't go unnoticed. Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford responded on Twitter (X), promising to explore every avenue to make Caleb's wish come true. Pitchford confirmed ongoing email communication with McAlpine, assuring him of their commitment to finding a solution.

Borderlands 4, unveiled at Gamescom Opening Night Live 2024, is currently slated for a 2025 release. However, the lack of a precise release date leaves a significant timeframe before the game's launch, a luxury Caleb unfortunately lacks. His GoFundMe page reveals a 7-12 month life expectancy, possibly extending to two years with successful treatment.

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

At the time of writing, his GoFundMe campaign has surpassed $6,210 from 128 donations, nearing its $9,000 goal for medical expenses and essential support.

Gearbox's History of Supporting Fans

This isn't the first time Gearbox has shown extraordinary empathy. In 2019, they provided an early copy of Borderlands 3 to Trevor Eastman, a 27-year-old battling cancer. Eastman's gratitude was immense before his passing in October of that year. In a touching tribute, Gearbox named a legendary weapon, the Trevonator, after him.

Further illustrating their commitment, Gearbox honored the memory of Michael Mamaril, a Borderlands fan who passed away at 22 in 2011. At the request of his friend, they included a tribute from Claptrap in Borderlands 2, and even created an NPC named after Mamaril in Sanctuary, who rewards players with valuable items.

While Borderlands 4's release remains some time away, Gearbox's dedication to fulfilling McAlpine's wish, and their history of compassionate gestures, offers hope and reassurance to the community. As Pitchford stated in a Business Wire press release, Gearbox is committed to exceeding expectations with Borderlands 4. Further details are awaited, but players can add the game to their Steam wishlist to stay updated.