Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford has pledged to help terminally ill Borderlands fan Caleb McAlpine play the upcoming 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, made an emotional appeal on Reddit: he longed to experience Borderlands 4 before his passing. Diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in August, Caleb expressed his deep love for the series and his wish to play the anticipated 2025 release.
McAlpine's heartfelt request didn't go unheard. 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're committed to "making something happen," adding that they've been in email contact.
Borderlands 4, revealed at Gamescom Opening Night Live 2024, is currently slated for a 2025 release. However, this timeframe offers little hope for McAlpine, who, according to his GoFundMe page, has a life expectancy of 7-12 months, possibly extending to two years with successful treatment.
Despite his prognosis, McAlpine maintains a positive outlook, sharing his faith and determination on his GoFundMe page. His fundraising efforts, aiming to cover medical expenses, have garnered significant support, nearing their $9,000 goal.
Gearbox's History of Supporting Fans
This isn't the first time Gearbox has demonstrated compassion for its fans. In 2019, they provided an early copy of Borderlands 3 to Trevor Eastman, another Borderlands fan battling cancer. Sadly, Eastman passed away later that year, but his memory lives on through the "Trevonator," a legendary weapon named in his honor.
In 2011, Gearbox paid tribute to Michael Mamaril, a deceased fan, by creating an NPC in Borderlands 2 named after him, providing a lasting memorial within the game.
While Borderlands 4's release date remains distant, Gearbox's commitment to McAlpine and their history of supporting fans offer a heartwarming counterpoint to the game's anticipated launch. Pitchford's statement about Gearbox's ambitious vision for Borderlands 4 further emphasizes their dedication to creating a memorable gaming experience. For now, fans can add Borderlands 4 to their Steam wishlists and await further updates.
