A Borderlands Fan's Dream Comes True: Early Access to Borderlands 4
Caleb McAlpine, a dedicated Borderlands fan battling cancer, recently received an unforgettable gift: early access to the highly anticipated Borderlands 4. His story highlights the power of community and the generosity of Gearbox Software.
A Wish Granted
In a heartwarming Reddit post on November 26th, Caleb recounted his incredible experience. Gearbox flew him and a friend first-class to their studio, where they toured the facilities, met developers, and most importantly, played Borderlands 4.
"We got to play what they have for Borderlands 4 so far, and it was amazing," Caleb shared, expressing his gratitude for the opportunity. His visit extended beyond the studio; the Omni Frisco Hotel, where he stayed, even arranged a VIP tour of the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters.
While Caleb remained tight-lipped about specific details of the game, he emphasized the overall experience: "It was an amazing experience and just awesome." He also expressed heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported his request.
From Long Shot to Reality
Caleb's journey began on October 24th, 2024, with a Reddit post detailing his cancer diagnosis and his heartfelt wish to play Borderlands 4 before it was too late. He acknowledged the long odds but appealed to the community for help contacting Gearbox.
The Borderlands community rallied behind Caleb, spreading his request far and wide. This outpouring of support caught the attention of Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford, who responded swiftly on Twitter (X), promising to explore options.
After a month of communication, Gearbox fulfilled Caleb's wish, providing him with early access to the game ahead of its 2025 release. A GoFundMe campaign established to support Caleb's medical expenses has also seen a surge in donations, exceeding its initial goal. The story of his Borderlands 4 experience has touched countless hearts and further amplified the support for his ongoing battle.