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's Act of Kindness
A Borderlands 4 Preview
Caleb McAlpine's heartfelt wish to play Borderlands 4 before his passing became a reality. On November 26th, he shared his incredible experience on Reddit: a first-class flight to Gearbox's studio, meetings with developers (including CEO Randy Pitchford), and an exclusive preview of the highly anticipated game.
"We got to play what they have for Borderlands 4 so far, and it was amazing," Caleb wrote, detailing his trip and the warm welcome he received. Following his time at Gearbox, he and a friend enjoyed a VIP tour of the Omni Frisco Hotel at The Star, home to the Dallas Cowboys.
While Caleb remained tight-lipped about Borderlands 4's specifics, he emphasized the overwhelmingly positive impact of the experience. He expressed deep gratitude to everyone who supported his request and offered encouragement during his health battle.
Caleb's Plea to the Borderlands Community
On October 24th, 2024, Caleb initially shared his wish on Reddit, explaining his prognosis and his desire to experience Borderlands 4. He acknowledged the long odds but appealed to the community for help contacting Gearbox.
His post resonated deeply, sparking an outpouring of support and prompting many to reach out to Gearbox on his behalf. The response was swift and impactful.
Randy Pitchford responded directly via Twitter(X), promising to explore ways to make Caleb's wish come true. Within a month, Gearbox fulfilled his request, granting him early access to the game ahead of its 2025 release.
A GoFundMe campaign continues to support Caleb's fight against cancer, exceeding its initial goal of $9,000 and currently standing at $12,415 USD. The story of his Borderlands 4 experience has further amplified the campaign, drawing even more support.
