Borderlands 4 Preview Unveiled for Terminal Fan

Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford has pledged to make every effort to grant terminally ill Borderlands fan Caleb McAlpine's wish to play the upcoming Borderlands 4 early.

Terminally Ill Gamer's Wish to Play Borderlands 4 Early

Gearbox CEO's Promise: "Whatever We Can to Make Something Happen"

Caleb McAlpine, a 37-year-old Borderlands enthusiast battling terminal cancer, appealed to the gaming community on Reddit with a heartfelt request: 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 anticipated looter-shooter, slated for a 2025 release.

"I'm a huge Borderlands fan, and I don't know if I'll be around for Borderlands 4," McAlpine shared. "Can anyone help me contact Gearbox to see if early access is possible?"

His plea resonated deeply, reaching Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford, who responded on Twitter (X) with a commitment to assist. Pitchford thanked those who brought the request to his attention and assured Caleb that they would "do everything possible to make this happen." Subsequent communication, Pitchford stated, has been ongoing via email.

Borderlands 4 was unveiled at Gamescom Opening Night Live 2024, with Gearbox announcing a tentative 2025 release. However, without a firm release date, the game remains over a year away, barring unforeseen delays.

Unfortunately, time is not a luxury McAlpine possesses. His GoFundMe page reveals a stage 4 colon and liver cancer diagnosis. His Reddit post indicates a life expectancy of 7 to 12 months, possibly extending to two years with successful chemotherapy.

Despite his prognosis, McAlpine maintains a positive outlook. "Some days are harder than others, and I want to give up sometimes," McAlpine wrote in a September GoFundMe update. "But I think of Job in the Bible, how everything was taken, yet his faith remained. That's what I have – faith that God will guide the doctors to heal me so I can continue being the loving, annoying Caleb you all know."

At the time of writing, his GoFundMe has raised $6,210 from 128 donations, nearing his $9,000 goal. These funds will cover medical expenses and essential needs.

Gearbox's Track Record of Supporting Fans

This isn't Gearbox's first act of compassion 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 in touch (I can't name them)," Eastman shared. "They're flying someone out in early June to give me a copy. Thank you all for making this dream come true. It means the world."

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 22, his friend Carlos requested a Claptrap tribute in Borderlands 2. Gearbox not only honored this but created an NPC named after Mamaril in Sanctuary, rewarding players with high-quality items and a unique achievement.

Borderlands 4's release remains distant, but McAlpine and other fans can find comfort in Gearbox's dedication. As Pitchford stated in a Business Wire press release, "We at Gearbox have huge ambitions for Borderlands 4, striving to improve everything we love about Borderlands while innovating in exciting new ways."

Further details await. In the meantime, add Borderlands 4 to your Steam wishlist and stay updated on release information.