Borderlands 4 Early Access Impresses: Fan Reactions

A Borderlands fan's dream comes true: Caleb McAlpine, battling cancer, receives early access to Borderlands 4.

Gearbox Grants a Wish

Caleb McAlpine, a dedicated Borderlands fan facing a cancer diagnosis, recently experienced a life-changing event. His heartfelt wish to play the upcoming Borderlands 4 before it's official release was answered by Gearbox Software. In a heartwarming Reddit post on November 26th, Caleb detailed his incredible journey.

Gearbox flew Caleb and a friend first-class to their studio. He toured the facilities, met developers, and most importantly, played Borderlands 4. "We got to play what they have for Borderlands 4 so far and it was amazing," Caleb shared. His 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 details of the game, he emphasized the overwhelmingly positive experience. He expressed deep gratitude to everyone who supported his request and offered their well wishes.

A Community Rallies Behind a Fan

On October 24th, 2024, Caleb initially posted on Reddit, outlining his medical prognosis ("I was given 7-12 months, and even with chemo, less than 2 years") and his desire to experience Borderlands 4. He humbly described his request as a "long shot."

The Borderlands community responded with an outpouring of support. The post quickly gained traction, prompting numerous individuals to contact Gearbox. Randy Pitchford, Gearbox's CEO, swiftly responded 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, providing him with early access to the highly anticipated game. A GoFundMe campaign established to assist Caleb in his cancer battle has also seen a surge in donations, surpassing $12,415 USD. The story of his Borderlands 4 experience has further amplified support for his cause.