Michael John Mamaril was a young man who loved playing Borderlands, a popular video game franchise. He and his friend Carlo spent many hours together in the virtual world, exploring the planet of Pandora and fighting against bandits, monsters, and evil corporations. Unfortunately, Michael’s life was cut short by cancer, and he passed away at the age of 22 in 2011. But his passion for the game did not go unnoticed by the game’s developers, Gearbox Software, who decided to honor him in a remarkable way.
A Eulogy from Claptrap
After Michael’s death, Carlo sent an email to Gearbox Software, asking them to do a eulogy for his friend from Claptrap, one of the game’s most iconic and hilarious characters. Claptrap is a robot who assists the players throughout their adventures, often providing comic relief with his witty remarks and quirky personality. Carlo hoped that a eulogy from Claptrap would be a fitting tribute for his friend, who enjoyed the game’s humor and style.
Gearbox Software agreed to Carlo’s request and went above and beyond. They recorded a eulogy from Claptrap, voiced by David Eddings, the game’s director of business development. In the eulogy, Claptrap expresses his sadness and gratitude for Michael’s friendship and support for the game. He also breaks character halfway through and speaks in his normal voice, explaining that everyone at Gearbox was touched and honored by Michael’s story. He then resumes his Claptrap persona and ends the eulogy with a heartfelt farewell.
Gearbox sent the eulogy to Carlo, who was moved by their gesture. He shared it online with other Borderlands fans, who were also touched by the tribute. The eulogy can be heard here.
A NPC in the Game
But Gearbox did not stop there. They also decided to include Michael as a non-player character (NPC) in Borderlands 2, the sequel to the original game. They modeled his appearance after his photos and gave him a friendly personality. He can be found randomly in Sanctuary, the main hub of the game, where he greets the players and gives them a rare weapon based on their level. He also says some lines that reflect his love for the game and his generosity.
Michael’s NPC is a way of immortalizing him in the game that he loved so much. He is also a way of rewarding the players who find him with a powerful weapon and a warm welcome. He represents all the fallen teammates and the nameless members of the gaming community who make the world a better place.
Gearbox announced Michael’s inclusion in Borderlands 2 before its release in 2012. They also dedicated the game to him in the credits. Many players were delighted to find him in Sanctuary and thanked Gearbox for their tribute. Some players even kept the weapons he gave them as souvenirs or put them in their bank for safekeeping.
A Legacy of Kindness
Michael John Mamaril’s story is a testament to the power of kindness and compassion. It shows how a simple act of appreciation can make a huge difference in someone’s life. It also shows how a video game can bring people together and create meaningful connections.
Gearbox Software deserves praise for their response to Carlo’s request. They showed that they care about their fans and that they are willing to honor them in creative ways. They also set an example for other gaming companies to follow.
Michael John Mamaril will always be remembered by Borderlands fans as a loyal friend and a generous soul. His legacy will live on in the game he adored and in the hearts of those who knew him or heard of him.
