Borderlands 4 Pre-Release Fan Feedback Overwhelms
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, battling cancer with a prognosis of 7-12 months (or less than two years even with successful chemo), expressed his heartfelt wish to experience Borderlands 4 before it's too late. His October 24th Reddit post detailing his situation and plea for early access touched countless hearts.
On November 20th, Gearbox made his wish a reality. Caleb and a friend were flown first-class to Gearbox's studio, received a studio tour, met developers (including CEO Randy Pitchford), and played a preview of Borderlands 4. "We got to play what they have for Borderlands 4 so far and it was amazing," Caleb shared in a subsequent Reddit post. The trip also included 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 game details, he described the entire experience as "amazing and awesome," expressing immense gratitude to everyone who rallied behind him.
From Reddit Post to Reality
Caleb's initial Reddit request, though described as a "long shot," sparked a wave of support. The Borderlands community quickly mobilized, contacting Gearbox to advocate for his wish. Randy Pitchford responded swiftly on Twitter (X), promising to explore options. Within a month, Gearbox fulfilled Caleb's request, granting him early access to the highly anticipated 2025 release.
A GoFundMe campaign launched to assist Caleb with his medical expenses has already surpassed $12,415, exceeding its initial goal of $9,000. The outpouring of support continues to grow as Caleb's story spreads online. His experience stands as a testament to the power of community and the human spirit in the face of adversity.
