Borderlands 4 Early Release Garners Critical Acclaim

Cancer patient and Borderlands fan Caleb McAlpine 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 Makes a Fan's Wish Reality

A Borderlands 4 Preview

Caleb McAlpine, a devoted Borderlands fan facing a cancer diagnosis, received an unforgettable gift: early access to Borderlands 4. On November 26th, he shared his incredible experience on Reddit, detailing a first-class trip to Gearbox's studio, meetings with developers, and a hands-on preview of the highly anticipated game.

Caleb described the experience as "amazing," recounting a studio tour and meetings with developers, culminating in a play session. He also mentioned a VIP tour of the Omni Frisco Hotel at The Star, courtesy of the hotel itself.

While respecting the confidentiality of Borderlands 4 details, Caleb emphasized the "amazing" and "awesome" nature of the experience. He expressed deep gratitude to everyone who supported his request and offered their kindness.

Caleb's Plea to Gearbox

On October 24th, 2024, Caleb initially posted on Reddit, explaining his medical prognosis (7-12 months to live, with chemotherapy potentially extending it to under two years) and his heartfelt wish to play Borderlands 4 before it was too late.

His "long shot" request resonated deeply with the Borderlands community. Fellow fans rallied to his support, spreading his story and contacting Gearbox to advocate for his wish.

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

A GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist Caleb in his cancer battle, surpassing its $9,000 goal and currently standing at $12,415 USD. The outpouring of support continues to grow as Caleb's story gains wider attention.