A Borderlands fan's dream comes true: Caleb McAlpine, battling cancer, receives early access to Borderlands 4.
Gearbox Grants a Wish
Caleb McAlpine, a dedicated Borderlands fan facing a cancer diagnosis, recently experienced a dream come true: early access to the highly anticipated Borderlands 4. His November 26th Reddit post detailed his incredible journey. Gearbox Software flew Caleb and a friend first-class to their studio, where they toured the facilities, met developers, and played the game.
"We got to play what they have for Borderlands 4 so far, and it was amazing," Caleb shared, adding details about meeting developers and even Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford. Following the studio visit, Caleb and his friend enjoyed a VIP tour of the Omni Frisco Hotel at The Star, courtesy of the hotel.
While Caleb remained tight-lipped about specific Borderlands 4 details, he described the entire experience as "amazing and awesome," expressing gratitude to everyone who supported his request.
A Community Effort
Caleb's initial request, posted on October 24th, 2024, detailed his prognosis and his heartfelt wish to play Borderlands 4 before it's official release in 2025. His plea resonated deeply with the Borderlands community, sparking a wave of support and prompting numerous individuals to contact Gearbox.
Randy Pitchford responded swiftly on Twitter (X), initiating contact with Caleb and promising to explore options. Within a month, Gearbox fulfilled Caleb's wish, granting him early access to the game.
A GoFundMe campaign established to assist Caleb in his cancer battle has already surpassed its $9,000 goal, reaching over $12,415 USD. The outpouring of support continues to grow as news of his Borderlands 4 experience spreads.