Borderlands 4 Early Look is Terminally Ill Fan's Wish

Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford has pledged to grant terminally ill Borderlands fan Caleb McAlpine early access to the highly anticipated Borderlands 4.

Terminally Ill Gamer's Wish to Play Borderlands 4 Early

Gearbox CEO Promises to Fulfill Dying Fan's Request

Caleb McAlpine, a 37-year-old battling stage 4 cancer, expressed his heartfelt desire to experience Borderlands 4 before his passing. His plea, shared on Reddit, resonated deeply within the gaming community. Diagnosed in August, Caleb's wish to play the upcoming 2025 release captured the attention of Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford.

Pitchford responded on Twitter (X), assuring Caleb that Gearbox would "do whatever we can to make something happen." He subsequently confirmed ongoing email communication with McAlpine.

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

Despite his circumstances, McAlpine maintains a positive outlook, drawing strength from his faith. His GoFundMe campaign, aiming to cover medical expenses, has garnered significant support, nearing its $9,000 goal.

Gearbox's History of Supporting Fans

This act of compassion echoes Gearbox's past gestures. 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," a legendary in-game weapon named in his honor.

In 2011, Gearbox honored the memory of Michael Mamaril, a fan who passed away at 22, by creating an NPC in Borderlands 2 named after him. This NPC rewards players with valuable items, further showcasing the studio's dedication to its community.

While Borderlands 4's release remains some time away, Gearbox's commitment to fulfilling McAlpine's wish underscores their dedication to their fans. As Pitchford stated in a Business Wire press release, Gearbox is striving to elevate Borderlands 4 to new heights.

Further details regarding the game's features await, but fans can add Borderlands 4 to their Steam wishlists and stay updated on release information.