In an inspiring turn of events, Caleb McAlpine, a dedicated Borderlands fan currently battling cancer, had his dream come true when he was granted early access to the eagerly anticipated game, Borderlands 4. With the help of the game's community and the developers at Gearbox, Caleb's experience has not only touched the hearts of many but also showcased the power of community and compassion in the gaming world.
Gearbox Fulfilled a Fan's Wish
On November 26, Caleb shared his incredible journey on Reddit. He was flown first-class to Gearbox's studio, where he had the chance to meet the developers and play Borderlands 4 before its official release. "We got to play what they have for Borderlands 4 so far and it was amazing," Caleb enthused. His visit included a tour of the studio and introductions to key figures, including Randy Pitchford, the CEO of Gearbox.
Following his memorable day at Gearbox, Caleb and his friend stayed at the Omni Frisco Hotel at The Star, near The Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters. The hotel's management went above and beyond, offering them a VIP tour of the facility. Caleb described the entire experience as "awesome" and expressed his gratitude to everyone who supported his wish and stood by him during his health battle.
Caleb's Request to Gearbox
Caleb's journey began when he reached out to the Borderlands community on Reddit on October 24, 2024, sharing his diagnosis and his wish to play Borderlands 4 early. Given a prognosis of 7-12 months, with a potential extension if chemotherapy proved effective, Caleb's request was a poignant one. "Is there anyone that knows how to get in touch with Gearbox to see if there is a way to play the game early?" he asked, acknowledging the long-shot nature of his wish.
The Borderlands community rallied around Caleb, spreading his story and advocating for his wish. Their efforts paid off when Randy Pitchford responded directly to Caleb's post on the same day via a Twitter (X) post. "Caleb and I are now chatting via e-mail and we’re going to do whatever we can to make something happen," Randy stated. After about a month of communication, Gearbox made Caleb's dream a reality.
In addition to the support from the gaming community, Caleb has also benefited from a GoFundMe campaign set up to help with his cancer treatment. As of now, the campaign has raised over $12,415 USD, surpassing its initial $9,000 goal. The news of Caleb's early access to Borderlands 4 has further boosted support for his cause.
