"Borderlands 4 Early Access Amazed Fans"

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Borderlands fan Caleb McAlpine, who is currently battling cancer, was granted early access to Borderlands 4 through the support of the gaming community and Gearbox Software. Here’s how the experience unfolded.

Gearbox Fulfilled a Fan’s Wish

Caleb McAlpine, a devoted Borderlands fan undergoing cancer treatment, recently had his dream come true: playing Borderlands 4 ahead of its official release. His inspiring story quickly gained traction online after he shared it on Reddit.

In a heartfelt post dated November 26, Caleb revealed that Gearbox flew him and a close friend to their studio in Texas. There, he got an exclusive hands-on preview of Borderlands 4. “We got to play what they have for Borderlands 4 so far and it was amazing,” he said.

He also described the behind-the-scenes experience: “Gearbox flew me and a friend down first class on the 20th of this month. We toured the studio and met some incredible people, including developers from past Borderlands titles—and even Randy [Pitchford], the CEO.”

Following the visit, Caleb and his friend stayed at the Omni Frisco Hotel at The Star, home of the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters. The hotel staff went above and beyond, offering them a VIP tour of the entire facility as a special gesture of hospitality.

Although Caleb didn’t disclose specific gameplay details about Borderlands 4, he expressed deep gratitude for the unforgettable experience. “It was just awesome,” he said. He also thanked everyone who supported his request and stood by him during his health journey.

Caleb’s Request to Gearbox

Prior to this heartwarming event, Caleb posted a moving appeal on Reddit on October 24, 2024. In it, he shared his medical situation: “I was given 7–12 months, and if chemo works to slow the progression of the cancer, I still have less than two years.”

Because of this, Caleb wished to play Borderlands 4 before it launched publicly in 2025. “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. While he called it a “long shot,” his post resonated deeply with the Borderlands community.

Fans flooded the thread with messages of hope and encouragement. Many reached out directly to Gearbox, urging the developer to make Caleb’s wish a reality.

Within hours, Randy Pitchford, CEO of Gearbox, responded via a tweet linked to Caleb’s Reddit post: “Caleb and I are now chatting via email, and we’re going to do whatever we can to make something happen.” About a month later, that promise came true—Gearbox welcomed Caleb into their studio and gave him early access to Borderlands 4.

Supporting Caleb’s Journey

Alongside the emotional fulfillment of experiencing his favorite game series firsthand, Caleb continues to fight his battle with cancer. A GoFundMe campaign set up to help with his medical expenses has already raised over $12,415 USD, surpassing the initial $9,000 goal.

The news of Caleb’s Borderlands 4 experience sparked renewed attention and support for his cause, proving once again how powerful compassion and community can be.

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