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's Promise: Making a Dream Come True
Caleb McAlpine, a 37-year-old Borderlands enthusiast battling terminal cancer, made an emotional plea on Reddit: He yearned to experience Borderlands 4 before his passing. Diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in August, Caleb expressed his deep love for the series and his desire to play the upcoming game, slated for a 2025 release.
"I'm a huge Borderlands fan, and I don't know if I'll be around for Borderlands 4," Caleb shared. "Can anyone help me contact Gearbox to see if early access is possible?"
His heartfelt request didn't go unnoticed. Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford responded on X (formerly Twitter), promising to help fulfill Caleb's wish. Pitchford thanked those who brought the request to his attention and assured Caleb that they would "do everything we can to make it happen." He later confirmed ongoing email communication with McAlpine.
Borderlands 4 was revealed at Gamescom Opening Night Live 2024, with Gearbox targeting a 2025 release. However, without a firm release date, the game remains over a year away, potentially longer depending on development.
Sadly, Caleb doesn't have that kind of time. His GoFundMe page reveals a stage 4 colon and liver cancer diagnosis. He estimates a life expectancy of 7-12 months, possibly extending to two years with successful chemotherapy.
Despite his prognosis, Caleb maintains a positive outlook. "Some days are tougher than others, and I want to give up sometimes," he wrote in a September GoFundMe update. "But I think of Job in the Bible, and how he kept his faith. 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. The funds will cover medical expenses and essential living costs.
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 copy of Borderlands 3.
"Someone from 2K has been helping me (I can't name them)," Eastman shared. "They're flying someone out in early June to give me the game. Thank you all for making this dream come true!"
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 at age 22, his friend Carlos requested a Claptrap tribute in Borderlands 2. Gearbox responded by creating an NPC named after Mamaril in Sanctuary, rewarding players with high-quality items and a unique achievement.
Borderlands 4's release date remains distant, but McAlpine and other 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 and take it to new heights."
Further details about the game's direction will be revealed later. In the meantime, players can wishlist Borderlands 4 on Steam and follow updates on its release.
