Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford has pledged to grant terminally ill Borderlands fan Caleb McAlpine early access to the highly anticipated Borderlands 4.
Terminally Ill Gamer's Wish to Play Borderlands 4 Early
Gearbox CEO Responds to Fan's Plea
Caleb McAlpine, a 37-year-old battling stage 4 cancer, expressed his heartfelt desire to experience Borderlands 4 before his passing. His Reddit post, detailing his love for the series and his terminal diagnosis, touched the hearts of many. He inquired about contacting Gearbox to explore the possibility of early access.
His plea resonated deeply with Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford, who responded on Twitter (X) with a commitment to help. Pitchford assured McAlpine that they would "do whatever we can to make something happen," and confirmed subsequent email communication.
Borderlands 4, unveiled at Gamescom Opening Night Live 2024, is slated for a 2025 release. However, McAlpine's limited time necessitates a quicker solution. His GoFundMe page, aiming to cover medical expenses, has garnered significant support.
Despite his prognosis, McAlpine maintains a positive outlook, drawing strength from his faith. His GoFundMe campaign has already raised a substantial amount towards his $9,000 goal.
Gearbox's History of Supporting Fans
This act of compassion aligns with Gearbox's past actions. 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 "Trevonator" legendary weapon named in his honor.
Further demonstrating their dedication to their community, Gearbox honored the request of Michael Mamaril's friend, Carlos, by including a tribute to Mamaril, a beloved fan who passed away in 2011, in Borderlands 2. This tribute includes an NPC named after Mamaril, rewarding players with high-quality items.
While Borderlands 4's official release remains some time away, Gearbox's commitment to fulfilling McAlpine's wish underscores their dedication to their fans. Pitchford's statement emphasizes the team's ambition to elevate the Borderlands experience to unprecedented heights. Further details about the game's features are eagerly awaited. In the meantime, fans can add Borderlands 4 to their Steam wishlists.
