Borderlands 4: Dying Fan's Dream Realized

Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford personally commits to fulfilling the wish of a terminally ill Borderlands fan, Caleb McAlpine, to experience Borderlands 4 early.

Terminally Ill Gamer's Wish to Play Borderlands 4 Early

Gearbox CEO Pledges Support for Dying Fan

Caleb McAlpine, a 37-year-old devoted Borderlands player battling terminal cancer, made an emotional plea on Reddit: He yearned to play Borderlands 4 before his passing. Diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in August, Caleb expressed his deep love for the series and his heartfelt desire to experience the upcoming installment, slated for a 2025 release.

McAlpine's touching 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 expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support and assured Caleb that they'd "do everything possible to make it happen," adding that they've been in email contact.

Borderlands 4, unveiled at Gamescom Opening Night Live 2024, is currently projected for a 2025 launch. However, without a firm release date, the game remains over a year away, barring unforeseen delays.

Sadly, McAlpine faces a severe time constraint. His GoFundMe page reveals a stage 4 colon and liver cancer diagnosis, with doctors estimating a life expectancy of 7-12 months, potentially extending to two years with successful chemotherapy.

Despite the grim prognosis, McAlpine maintains a positive outlook. In a September GoFundMe update, he shared, "Some days are tougher than others, and there are times I want to give up. But I think of Job from the Bible, how everything was taken, yet his faith remained. That's what I have – faith that God will guide the doctors to heal me."

His GoFundMe campaign has raised $6,210 from 128 donors, nearing its $9,000 goal for medical expenses and essential needs.

Gearbox's History of Supporting Fans

This isn't Gearbox's first act of compassion. In May 2019, 27-year-old Trevor Eastman, battling esophageal, stomach, and liver cancer, received an early copy of Borderlands 3. Eastman expressed his gratitude, stating that 2K facilitated the delivery. Sadly, Eastman passed away later that year, and Gearbox commemorated him by naming a legendary weapon, the Trevonator, in his honor.

In 2011, following the death of Borderlands fan Michael Mamaril at 22, his friend Carlos requested a tribute in Borderlands 2. Gearbox responded by creating an NPC named after Mamaril in Sanctuary, who rewards players with valuable items and grants a special achievement.

While Borderlands 4's release remains distant, McAlpine and fellow fans can find comfort in Gearbox's dedication to creating a cherished game. As Pitchford stated in a Business Wire press release, "We at Gearbox have immense ambitions for Borderlands 4, striving to enhance everything we love about Borderlands while breaking new ground."

Further details regarding these innovations are forthcoming. In the interim, players can wishlist Borderlands 4 on Steam and stay updated on the release via relevant news articles.