Borderlands 4 Pre-Release Access Impresses Fans

Caleb McAlpine, a dedicated Borderlands fan facing a cancer diagnosis, recently lived out a dream: playing the upcoming Borderlands 4 thanks to the game's community and Gearbox Software. His inspiring story highlights the power of online support and the generosity of game developers.

Gearbox Grants a Fan's Wish

An Unforgettable Borderlands 4 Preview

Caleb McAlpine's battle with cancer didn't stop him from pursuing his lifelong wish to play Borderlands 4. On November 26th, he shared a heartwarming Reddit post detailing his trip to Gearbox's studio. There, he met the developers, including CEO Randy Pitchford, and experienced a sneak peek of the highly anticipated game.

"We got to play what they have for Borderlands 4 so far, and it was amazing," Caleb wrote, describing the experience as "awesome." His trip included a first-class flight, a studio tour, and even a VIP tour of the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters, courtesy of the Omni Frisco Hotel.

While Caleb remained tight-lipped about specific Borderlands 4 details, the overall experience exceeded his expectations. He expressed profound gratitude to everyone who helped make his wish a reality.

A Community Rallies Behind a Fan

Caleb's journey began on October 24th, 2024, with a Reddit post outlining his medical prognosis (7-12 months to live, with less than two years even with successful chemo) and his heartfelt wish to play Borderlands 4 before it was too late. He admitted it was a "long shot," but the Borderlands community answered his call.

The outpouring of support was immediate and widespread. Reddit users rallied behind Caleb, many contacting Gearbox directly to advocate for his request.

Randy Pitchford responded swiftly on Twitter (X), stating, "Caleb and I are now chatting via email and we’re going to do whatever we can to make something happen." Within a month, Gearbox fulfilled Caleb's wish, granting him early access to the game before its 2025 release.

A GoFundMe campaign established to assist Caleb in his cancer fight has also seen a surge in donations, exceeding $12,415 and surpassing its initial goal. The news of his Borderlands 4 experience has only amplified the support for his cause.