Caleb McAlpine, a dedicated Borderlands fan facing a cancer battle, recently lived out a dream: playing the upcoming Borderlands 4 thanks to the gaming community and Gearbox Software. His inspiring story highlights the power of online support.
Gearbox Grants a Fan's Wish
An Exclusive Borderlands 4 Preview
Caleb McAlpine's heartfelt wish to play Borderlands 4 before it's official release was answered in a spectacular way. 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 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, describing the trip as an unforgettable experience. His visit 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 Borderlands 4, he emphasized the profound impact of the event. He expressed deep gratitude to everyone who supported his request, offering a powerful testament to the kindness of the gaming community.
A Community Rallies Behind a Fan
Caleb's journey began on October 24th, 2024, with a Reddit post detailing his cancer diagnosis and his fervent desire to experience Borderlands 4. Facing a prognosis of 7-12 months, and possibly less than two years even with successful chemotherapy, he reached out to the community, hoping to make his wish a reality.
His plea resonated deeply with the Borderlands community. An outpouring of support led to numerous contacts with Gearbox, ultimately convincing them to grant his request. Randy Pitchford, Gearbox's CEO, personally responded to Caleb's post on Twitter(X), initiating a dialogue that culminated in the incredible experience.
A GoFundMe campaign established to assist Caleb in his fight against cancer has also seen a surge in donations, exceeding $12,415 USD and surpassing its initial goal. The news of his Borderlands 4 preview has further amplified the campaign's reach and support.