Hopefully a more in-depth trailer will come sooner rather than later (2K)
Gearbox is keeping Borderlands 4 under wraps but has made an exception for one fan, after he rallied support from the community.
Considering all Gearbox has shown of Borderlands 4 so far is an incredibly brief and vague teaser trailer, at Gamescom 2024, you’d think the game was still a long way off from launch.
But not only are Gearbox and publisher Take-Two aiming to have Borderlands 4 out next year (alongside GTA 6 and Mafia: The Old Country), but it’s apparently in enough of a playable state for one fan to try it out and deem it ‘amazing.’
Said fan, one Caleb McAlpine, was diagnosed with stage four cancer this past August and since he’s unsure if he’ll live long enough to play Borderlands 4, he asked to experience the game early. Sure enough, the Borderlands community shared his story and Gearbox recently granted his request.
According to McAlpine, 37, he and a friend were flown to Gearbox’s main studio in Texas on November 20, where they were treated to a tour and met with some of the staff, including CEO Randy Pitchford.
‘We got to play what they have for Borderlands 4 so far and it was amazing,’ wrote McAlpine on Reddit. ‘I don’t know if I will be around when the game comes out but I just want to say thank you to all of you for all of your love and support and for helping in making this happen. It truly was an amazing experience and it was just awesome.’
Given McAlpine doesn’t go into much detail on what he played, he likely had to sign a non-disclosure agreement so as not to give too much away. Although the final release could very easily look and play quite differently by the time it comes out.
Also, given how little Borderlands has changed over the last three games it’s not hard to imagine what the new one might look and play like.
Regardless, it is sweet to know McAlpine got his wish, and he at least sounds pleased with how Borderlands 4 is turning out.
There’s also no jealousy or hostility in the Reddit comments, with fellow fans being happy for McAlpine, offering encouragement and hope he’ll overcome his cancer so he can enjoy the full game.
When will Borderlands 4 release?
As for when Borderlands 4 could feasibly come out, you have to imagine it won’t be until the tail end of 2025, if only to give Gearbox enough time to start hyping it up (and waiting till everyone forgets the movie).
Considering GTA 6 is meant to be launching in the autumn of 2025, it’s not clear what Borderlands 4, or indeed any big name game due next Christmas, is going to do to avoid being obscured by its shadow.
However, since Take-Two will know the release date, and can share that with Gearbox, you can be sure that at least won’t accidentally be coming out at the same time.
McAlpine has said even if chemo works, he’s predicted to only have less than two years left (Reddit)
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