A Borderlands fan's dream comes true: Caleb McAlpine, battling cancer, receives an unforgettable early access experience to Borderlands 4.
Gearbox Grants a Wish
Caleb McAlpine, a devoted Borderlands fan facing a cancer diagnosis, recently had his wish fulfilled thanks to the generosity of the Borderlands community and Gearbox Software. On November 26th, he shared his incredible experience on Reddit: a first-class trip to Gearbox Studios, meetings with developers (including CEO Randy Pitchford), and an exclusive early look at Borderlands 4.
"We got to play what they have for Borderlands 4 so far and it was amazing," Caleb reported, adding details about the studio tour and the warm welcome he received. His trip extended to 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 emphasized the overwhelming positivity of the experience. He expressed profound gratitude to everyone who supported his request and offered their encouragement.
A Community Rallies
Caleb's journey began on October 24th, 2024, with a heartfelt Reddit post detailing his medical prognosis (7-12 months, possibly less than two years even with successful chemotherapy) and his earnest wish to play Borderlands 4 before it's official release in 2025. His "long shot" request 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. After a month of communication, Gearbox made Caleb's dream a reality.
A GoFundMe campaign established to support Caleb's cancer treatment has significantly surpassed its initial goal, currently exceeding $12,415 USD. The outpouring of support continues to grow as news of his Borderlands 4 experience spreads.
