Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford pledges to grant terminally ill Borderlands fan Caleb McAlpine's wish to play Borderlands 4 early.
Terminally Ill Gamer's Wish to Play Borderlands 4 Early
Gearbox CEO's Promise: Making it Happen
Caleb McAlpine, a 37-year-old Borderlands enthusiast battling terminal cancer, made a heartfelt plea on Reddit: He yearns to experience Borderlands 4 before his passing. Diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in August, Caleb expressed his deep love for the franchise and his desire to play the upcoming title, slated for a 2025 release.
McAlpine's poignant request didn't go unnoticed. Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford responded on Twitter (X), promising to assist in fulfilling Caleb's wish. Pitchford expressed gratitude for those who contacted him and assured Caleb that they'd "do whatever we can to make something happen," adding that they've since been in email contact.
Borderlands 4 was revealed at Gamescom Opening Night Live 2024, with Gearbox suggesting a 2025 launch. However, lacking a firm release date, the game remains over a year away, barring unforeseen delays.
Unfortunately, time is not a luxury Caleb possesses. His GoFundMe page reveals a stage 4 colon and liver cancer diagnosis. He estimates a 7-12 month life expectancy, possibly extending to two years with successful chemotherapy.
Despite his prognosis, McAlpine maintains optimism. In a September GoFundMe update, he shared, "Some days are tougher than others, and I've felt like giving up. But I think of Job in the Bible, how he lost everything yet kept his faith. That's what I have—faith that God will guide the doctors to heal me."
At this writing, his GoFundMe has raised $6,210 from 128 donations, nearing his $9,000 goal for medical expenses and essential needs.
Gearbox's History of Supporting Fans
This isn't Gearbox's first act of kindness towards ill fans. In May 2019, 27-year-old Trevor Eastman, battling esophageal, stomach, and liver cancer, received an early Borderlands 3 copy.
Eastman expressed gratitude, stating, "Someone from 2K (I can't name them) is making it happen. They're flying someone out to give me a copy." Sadly, Eastman passed away in October 2019. In tribute, Gearbox named a legendary weapon, the Trevonator, after him.
In 2011, following the death of Borderlands fan Michael Mamaril (22), his friend Carlos requested a Claptrap tribute in Borderlands 2. Gearbox not only honored this but created an NPC named after Mamaril in Sanctuary, rewarding players with high-quality items and an achievement.
Borderlands 4's release remains distant, but McAlpine and fellow fans can find comfort in Gearbox's commitment. As Pitchford stated in a Business Wire press release, "We at Gearbox have huge ambitions for Borderlands 4, aiming to improve everything we love about Borderlands while innovating in exciting new directions."
Further details await, but players can wishlist Borderlands 4 on Steam and stay updated on its release.
