Caleb McAlpine, a devoted 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 connection and compassion.
Caleb McAlpine's battle with cancer didn't stop him from experiencing the magic of Borderlands 4 early. On November 26th, he shared his incredible story on Reddit: a first-class flight to Gearbox Studios, a tour of the facilities, meetings with developers, and most importantly, a hands-on 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 visit. He met with developers, culminating in a meeting with Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford. Following the studio visit, he and a friend enjoyed a VIP tour of the Omni Frisco Hotel at The Star, home to the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters.
While remaining tight-lipped about specific Borderlands 4 details, Caleb described the entire experience as "amazing and awesome," expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support he received.
Caleb's journey began on October 24th, 2024, with a heartfelt Reddit post. He shared his prognosis—7-12 months to live, with potentially less than two years even with successful chemotherapy—and expressed his wish to play Borderlands 4 before it was too late.
His plea resonated deeply with the Borderlands community. Numerous individuals reached out to Gearbox, urging them to grant Caleb's wish. This collective effort paid off.
Randy Pitchford responded swiftly on Twitter (X), promising to explore options. After a month of communication, Gearbox made Caleb's dream a reality, providing early access to the game ahead of its 2025 release.
A GoFundMe campaign to support Caleb's medical expenses has also seen a surge in donations, exceeding $12,415 USD, surpassing its initial goal. The story of his Borderlands 4 experience further amplified the campaign's reach.
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