A Borderlands Fan's Dream Comes True: Early Access to Borderlands 4
Caleb McAlpine, a dedicated Borderlands fan battling cancer, recently lived out a dream: playing the highly anticipated Borderlands 4 early, thanks to the incredible support of the gaming community and Gearbox Software. This inspiring story highlights the power of online communities and the generosity of game developers.
An Unforgettable Experience
Caleb's journey began with a heartfelt Reddit post on November 26th, detailing his wish to experience Borderlands 4 before it's official release. His wish was answered in spectacular fashion. Gearbox flew him and a friend first-class to their studio, where they toured the facilities, met the developers, including CEO Randy Pitchford, and played Borderlands 4.
"We got to play what they have for Borderlands 4 so far and it was amazing," Caleb shared in his post. The trip extended beyond the studio visit; Caleb and his friend enjoyed a VIP tour of the Omni Frisco Hotel at The Star, home to the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters.
While Caleb remained tight-lipped about specific details of the game, he emphasized the incredible experience, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support he received.
A Community Rallies Behind a Fan
Caleb's initial request, posted on October 24th, 2024, was a long shot. He openly shared his cancer diagnosis and limited prognosis, making his desire to play Borderlands 4 before his passing all the more poignant. "I was given 7-12mo and IF chemo works to slow the progression of the cancer I still have less than 2 years," he wrote.
The Borderlands community responded with overwhelming support. His plea spread rapidly, prompting numerous individuals to contact Gearbox, urging them to grant Caleb's wish. Randy Pitchford himself responded swiftly on Twitter (X), promising to make it happen. Within a month, Gearbox fulfilled Caleb's request, providing him with early access to the game.
A GoFundMe campaign further demonstrates the community's support. The campaign has already surpassed its initial goal of $9,000, raising over $12,415 USD to aid Caleb in his fight against cancer. The story of his Borderlands 4 experience has only amplified the generosity shown towards him.
