Exclusive: Borderlands 4 Preview for Terminal Fan

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: "Whatever We Can to Make It Happen"

Caleb McAlpine, a 37-year-old battling terminal cancer, made an emotional plea on Reddit. Diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in August, he expressed his deep love for the Borderlands franchise and his fervent wish to experience the upcoming installment before his passing. Borderlands 4 is currently slated for a 2025 release.

McAlpine's heartfelt request didn't go unheard. Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford responded on Twitter (X), assuring McAlpine and the community that they would "do whatever we can to make something happen." Pitchford later confirmed ongoing email communication with McAlpine.

Borderlands 4 was unveiled at Gamescom Opening Night Live 2024, with a projected 2025 release. However, this timeframe presents a significant challenge for McAlpine, whose prognosis, according to his GoFundMe page, is 7-12 months, possibly extending to two years with successful treatment.

Despite his prognosis, McAlpine maintains a positive outlook. His GoFundMe page, aiming to raise $9,000 for medical expenses, has already garnered $6,210 from 128 donors.

Gearbox's History of Supporting Fans

This isn't the first instance of Gearbox extending compassion to ill fans. In 2019, Trevor Eastman, battling cancer, received an early copy of Borderlands 3. Sadly, Eastman passed away later that year, but his memory lives on through the in-game legendary weapon, the Trevonator, named in his honor.

In 2011, following the death of Borderlands fan Michael Mamaril, Gearbox honored his memory by creating an NPC in Borderlands 2 named after him, providing players with valuable in-game rewards.

While Borderlands 4's release date remains distant, Gearbox's commitment to fulfilling McAlpine's wish underscores their dedication to the community. Pitchford's statement in a Business Wire press release highlighted Gearbox's ambitious goals for Borderlands 4, promising improvements and exciting new directions. Further details are eagerly awaited by fans. In the meantime, players can add Borderlands 4 to their Steam wishlists.