Fan Hails 'Amazing' 'Borderlands 4' Early Access

Caleb McAlpine, a devoted Borderlands fan facing a cancer battle, recently lived out a dream: playing the upcoming Borderlands 4 thanks to the game's community and Gearbox Software. His inspiring story is detailed below.

Gearbox Makes a Fan's Dream Come True

A Borderlands 4 Preview

Caleb McAlpine, a dedicated Borderlands player battling cancer, had his wish to play the highly anticipated Borderlands 4 granted. In a November 26th Reddit post, he recounted being flown to Gearbox's studio, meeting developers, and experiencing the game firsthand.

Caleb described his Borderlands 4 experience as "amazing," detailing a first-class flight, a studio tour, and meetings with developers, including CEO Randy Pitchford.

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 headquarters.

While remaining tight-lipped about Borderlands 4 specifics, Caleb called the entire event "an amazing experience" and expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support he received.

Caleb's Plea to Gearbox

On October 24th, 2024, Caleb initially posted on Reddit, explaining his cancer diagnosis (a prognosis of 7-12 months, possibly extending to under two years with successful chemo) and his heartfelt wish to play Borderlands 4 before it was too late.

His "long shot" request resonated deeply with the Borderlands community. Outpourings of support and well wishes flooded in, with many reaching out to Gearbox to advocate for Caleb.

Randy Pitchford responded swiftly on Twitter(X), promising to explore options. Within a month, Gearbox fulfilled Caleb's wish, granting him early access to the game ahead of its 2025 release.

A GoFundMe campaign to support Caleb's medical expenses has also seen a surge in donations, exceeding $12,415, surpassing its $9,000 goal. The positive attention surrounding his Borderlands 4 experience has further amplified the campaign's success.