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"Borderlands 4 Early Access: Fan Reactions 'Unbelievable'"

By LucasJan 18,2025

Borderlands 4 Early Access Thrilled Cancer-Battling FanCaleb McAlpine, a dedicated 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 support and the generosity of game developers.

Gearbox's Act of Kindness

A Borderlands 4 Preview

Borderlands 4 Early Access - A Dream Come TrueCaleb McAlpine's heartfelt wish to play Borderlands 4 before his passing was answered in a remarkable way. On November 26th, he detailed on Reddit his incredible journey: a first-class flight to Gearbox's studio, a tour of the facilities, meetings with developers, and, most importantly, a sneak peek at the highly anticipated game.

Caleb's account of playing Borderlands 4 was overwhelmingly positive: "We got to play what they have for Borderlands 4 so far and it was amazing," he wrote. His trip included a meeting with CEO Randy Pitchford and other key figures from the Borderlands development team.

The experience extended beyond the studio. Caleb and a friend enjoyed a VIP tour of the Omni Frisco Hotel at The Star, home to the Dallas Cowboys headquarters, adding another layer of unforgettable moments to his trip.

While remaining tight-lipped about specific Borderlands 4 details, Caleb emphasized the "amazing experience" and expressed gratitude to everyone who supported his request.

A Community Rallies Behind a Fan

Caleb's Wish GrantedOn October 24th, 2024, Caleb initially shared his wish on Reddit, revealing his prognosis of 7-12 months to live, even with successful chemotherapy. He posed a long-shot question: "Is there anyone that knows how to get in touch with Gearbox to see if there is a way to play the game early?"

The Borderlands community responded with an outpouring of support, amplifying Caleb's plea. The response spread rapidly across various online platforms.

Randy Pitchford personally responded on Twitter (X), stating, "Caleb and I are now chatting via e-mail and we’re going to do whatever we can to make something happen." Within a month, Gearbox made Caleb's dream a reality.

A GoFundMe campaign established to aid Caleb in his battle against cancer has significantly exceeded its goal, currently surpassing $12,415 USD. The positive attention surrounding his Borderlands 4 experience has further fueled donations and support.

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