Borderlands 4 Preview Offers Heartfelt Fulfillment for Terminally Ill Fan

A Terminally Ill Gamer's Wish: Early Access to Borderlands 4

Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford has pledged to fulfill the heartfelt request of Caleb McAlpine, a 37-year-old Borderlands fan battling terminal cancer, to experience the upcoming Borderlands 4 ahead of its official release.

Caleb's Wish: A Last Chance to Play

Diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in August, Caleb took to Reddit to express his fervent desire to play Borderlands 4 before his passing. A dedicated fan of the series, he hoped to experience the anticipated 2025 release. His plea resonated deeply within the gaming community.

Responding to Caleb's emotional appeal on Twitter (X), Randy Pitchford, CEO of Gearbox, assured him of their commitment to make his wish a reality, stating they would "do whatever we can to make something happen." Subsequent communication between Pitchford and McAlpine via email indicates active efforts to grant his request.

A Race Against Time

Borderlands 4, unveiled at Gamescom Opening Night Live 2024, is currently slated for a 2025 release. This timeframe, however, presents a significant challenge for Caleb, whose prognosis indicates a limited life expectancy of 7-12 months, potentially extending to two years with successful treatment.

Despite his diagnosis, Caleb maintains a positive outlook, drawing strength from his faith. His GoFundMe campaign, aiming to raise $9,000 for medical expenses, has already garnered over $6,210 in donations.

Gearbox's History of Compassion

This instance of compassionate support from Gearbox isn't unprecedented. In 2019, they provided an early copy of Borderlands 3 to Trevor Eastman, another fan battling cancer. Sadly, Trevor passed away later that year, but his memory lives on through the "Trevonator," a legendary in-game weapon named in his honor. Further highlighting their commitment to the community, Gearbox also created an NPC in Borderlands 2 as a tribute to another deceased fan, Michael Mamaril.

Looking Ahead

While Borderlands 4's release date remains some time away, Gearbox's commitment to fulfilling Caleb’s wish underscores their dedication to their community. The company’s ambitious vision for Borderlands 4 promises an enhanced experience for all fans. In the meantime, players can add Borderlands 4 to their Steam wishlists and stay updated on the latest news.