A Borderlands Fan's Dream Come True: Early Access to Borderlands 4

Caleb McAlpine, a Borderlands enthusiast battling cancer, recently received an incredible gift: early access to Borderlands 4. His story highlights the power of community and the generosity of Gearbox Software.

A Wish Granted

In a heartfelt Reddit post on November 26th, Caleb recounted his 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.

Caleb described the experience as "amazing," sharing his excitement about the game's progress. The trip extended beyond the studio; the Omni Frisco Hotel, where they stayed, even provided a VIP tour of their facilities. While remaining tight-lipped about specific game details, Caleb emphasized the overall experience as "awesome." He expressed deep gratitude to everyone who supported his request.

From Long Shot to Reality

On October 24th, 2024, Caleb initially posted on Reddit, sharing his diagnosis (a prognosis of 7-12 months, possibly extending to under two years with successful chemo) and expressing his wish to play Borderlands 4 before it's official release in 2025. He described his request as a "long shot."

The Borderlands community rallied behind Caleb. His plea resonated widely, leading to numerous individuals contacting Gearbox. Randy Pitchford, Gearbox's CEO, responded swiftly on Twitter (X), promising to explore options. Within a month, Caleb's wish was fulfilled.

A GoFundMe campaign established to support Caleb's medical expenses has already surpassed its initial goal of $9,000, currently standing at $12,415 USD. The outpouring of support continues to grow as news of his Borderlands 4 experience spreads. This heartwarming story underscores the power of community and the impact of kindness in the face of adversity.