Caleb McAlpine, a dedicated Borderlands fan facing a cancer battle, recently lived out a dream: playing the upcoming Borderlands 4 thanks to the gaming community and Gearbox Software. His inspiring story is detailed below.
Gearbox Grants a Fan's Wish
An Exclusive Borderlands 4 Preview
Caleb McAlpine's wish to play Borderlands 4 before its release was granted by Gearbox. On November 26th, he shared his incredible experience on Reddit, detailing a trip to Gearbox's studio where he met developers, including CEO Randy Pitchford, and played the highly anticipated game.
"We got to play what they have for Borderlands 4 so far, and it was amazing," Caleb wrote. He recounted a first-class flight, a studio tour, and the chance to meet the team behind the Borderlands franchise. Following this incredible experience, he and a friend enjoyed a VIP tour of the Omni Frisco Hotel at The Star, home to the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters.
While remaining tight-lipped about Borderlands 4's details, Caleb described the entire event as "an amazing experience," expressing gratitude to everyone who supported his request and offered their well-wishes.
Caleb's Plea to the Borderlands Community
On October 24th, 2024, Caleb posted on Reddit, sharing his cancer diagnosis and limited prognosis (7-12 months, with potentially less than two years even with successful chemo). His heartfelt request: to play Borderlands 4 before it was too late.
His "long shot" plea resonated deeply with the Borderlands community. Reddit users and beyond rallied to his cause, contacting Gearbox to advocate for his wish.
Randy Pitchford responded swiftly via Twitter(X), promising to explore options. After a month of communication, Gearbox fulfilled Caleb's dream, granting him early access to the game ahead of its 2025 launch.
A GoFundMe campaign is underway to support Caleb's fight against cancer. The campaign has already exceeded its $9,000 goal, raising over $12,415 USD, fueled by the heartwarming story of his Borderlands 4 experience.
