Fan's Terminal Wish Fulfilled: First Look at Borderlands 4

Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford has pledged to grant the wish of a terminally ill Borderlands fan, Caleb McAlpine, to experience the upcoming Borderlands 4 early.

Terminally Ill Gamer's Wish to Play Borderlands 4 Early

Gearbox CEO's Commitment to Fulfill a Fan's Dream

Caleb McAlpine, a 37-year-old battling stage 4 cancer, expressed his heartfelt desire to play Borderlands 4 before his passing. His Reddit post, detailing his love for the series and his terminal diagnosis (received in August), touched the hearts of many.

McAlpine's plea didn't go unnoticed. Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford responded on X (formerly Twitter), promising to explore every avenue to make this happen. Pitchford confirmed subsequent email communication with McAlpine.

Borderlands 4, revealed at Gamescom Opening Night Live 2024, is 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 prognosis, 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 reflects Gearbox's history of supporting its community. 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 in-game weapon, the Trevonator.

Furthermore, in 2011, Gearbox honored the memory of Michael Mamaril by creating an NPC in Borderlands 2 named after him, a tribute requested by Mamaril's friend.

While Borderlands 4's release remains some time away, Gearbox's commitment to McAlpine and its dedication to creating a cherished gaming experience are evident. Pitchford's statement in a Business Wire press release emphasized Gearbox's ambitious vision for Borderlands 4, promising improvements and exciting new directions. Further details are eagerly awaited by fans. In the meantime, players can wishlist Borderlands 4 on Steam and stay updated on release information.