Borderlands 4 Sneak Peek Granted to Fan in Hospice

Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford fulfills the heartfelt wish of a dying Borderlands fan, Caleb McAlpine, to experience the upcoming Borderlands 4 early.

Terminally Ill Gamer's Wish to Play Borderlands 4 Early Granted

Gearbox CEO Steps Up to Help Dying Fan

Caleb McAlpine, a 37-year-old battling stage 4 cancer, expressed his desire to play Borderlands 4 before his passing via a Reddit post. His plea resonated deeply within the Borderlands community and caught the attention of Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford.

McAlpine, a devoted Borderlands fan since the franchise's inception, shared his diagnosis and his wish to experience the anticipated 2025 release of Borderlands 4. Pitchford, responding swiftly on Twitter (X), pledged Gearbox's full support, stating they would "do whatever we can to make something happen." Subsequent communication confirmed ongoing efforts to fulfill McAlpine's wish.

Revealed at Gamescom Opening Night Live 2024, Borderlands 4's 2025 release date leaves a significant timeframe before its launch. However, for McAlpine, time is of the essence. His GoFundMe page details his diagnosis and prognosis, estimating 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 faith and the support of his community. His GoFundMe campaign, aiming to raise $9,000 for medical expenses, has already garnered considerable support.

Gearbox's History of Supporting Fans

This isn't the first instance of Gearbox demonstrating compassion for its fans. In 2019, Trevor Eastman, another Borderlands fan facing a terminal illness, received an early copy of Borderlands 3. Sadly, Eastman passed away later that year, but his memory lives on through the "Trevonator," a legendary in-game weapon named in his honor.

Furthermore, in 2011, Gearbox honored the memory of Michael Mamaril, another deceased fan, by creating an NPC in Borderlands 2 named after him, a tribute that also rewards players with in-game items.

Gearbox's commitment to its community extends beyond game development. While Borderlands 4's official release remains months away, McAlpine's story highlights the company's dedication to its players, embodying the spirit of the game itself. As Pitchford emphasized in a Business Wire press release, Gearbox is committed to exceeding expectations with Borderlands 4.

The specifics of Borderlands 4 remain under wraps, but fans can add it to their Steam wishlists and stay updated on the release date.