'Borderlands 4' Early Access Thrills in Fan Playtest

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.

Gearbox's Act of Kindness

A Borderlands 4 Preview

Caleb McAlpine's heartfelt wish to play Borderlands 4 before his time was up was answered in a spectacular way. On November 26th, he detailed his incredible experience on Reddit: a first-class flight to Gearbox's studio, 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 shared, adding that he and a friend enjoyed a VIP tour of the Omni Frisco Hotel at The Star, home to the Dallas Cowboys headquarters, courtesy of the hotel.

While Caleb remained tight-lipped about specific Borderlands 4 details, he described the entire experience as "amazing and awesome," expressing profound gratitude to everyone who supported his request.

Caleb's Plea and the Community's Response

On October 24th, 2024, Caleb initially shared his wish on Reddit, explaining his diagnosis and limited prognosis (7-12 months, possibly less than two years even with successful chemo). He humbly asked if anyone could help him contact Gearbox to arrange an early gameplay opportunity.

His plea resonated deeply with the Borderlands community. An outpouring of support followed, with many contacting Gearbox to advocate for Caleb.

Randy Pitchford, Gearbox's CEO, responded swiftly on Twitter (X), promising to explore options. Within a month, Caleb's wish was granted, allowing him to experience Borderlands 4 before its 2025 release.

A GoFundMe campaign established to assist Caleb with his medical expenses has surpassed $12,415, exceeding its initial goal of $9,000. The story of his Borderlands 4 experience has further amplified the campaign's reach and support.