Rockstar Games may have arranged early GTA 6 access for a terminally ill fan after a public plea from a developer ahead of the game's November 19, 2026 release.
Rockstar Games may have arranged early GTA 6 access for a terminally ill fan
Rockstar Games is at the centre of a touching story this week. A GTA 6 fan who is terminally ill may have been given the chance to play the game before its official launch in November 2026, Thanks to an emotional public appeal by a game developer.
The story has spread quickly across social media and gaming news, sparking strong reactions from players around the world.
The plea came from Anthony Armstrong, a Ubisoft Toronto game developer. He posted on LinkedIn on behalf of a close family member who has been battling cancer. According to Armstrong, doctors gave the fan only six to twelve months to live. He explained that the family member is a lifelong Grand Theft Auto fan and may not survive until GTA 6 launches.
In his post, Armstrong directly reached out to Rockstar employees and Rockstar Toronto. He offered to sign a strict NDA and requested a private playtest so the fan could experience the game once.
Armstrong later updated the LinkedIn thread, saying that Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick had reached out and that they were waiting to hear from Rockstar’s team. A final update said:
“We spoke to them today and got great news. That’s all I can really say, but thank you all from the bottom of my heart.”
Armstrong’s LinkedIn post quickly gained attention. He later shared updates saying that Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick had personally reached out. In another update, Armstrong wrote:
“We spoke to them today and got great news. That’s all I can really say, but thank you all from the bottom of my heart.”
Shortly after, the post and updates were deleted. Rockstar Games and Take-Two have not issued any public statement. It remains unclear whether the fan actually played GTA 6. However, the timeline suggests that Rockstar may have agreed to help in some way.
The story resonated deeply with many gamers and fans online. Social media posts and news coverage showed widespread support for the family and appreciation for Rockstar’s possible gesture. Some reactions even joked about wanting similar opportunities for themselves, showing how passionate the GTA community is.
If true, this would not be the first time Rockstar has made a compassionate gesture. In a similar case, the studio allowed a terminally ill fan to play Red Dead Redemption 2 before its official release back in 2018.
GTA 6 is more than just a video game. It is a cultural event. Yet this story shifts the focus from sales and delays to empathy and human connection. Rockstar has done this before. The studio once allowed a terminally ill fan to play Red Dead Redemption 2 before release.
If true, this moment shows how game studios can impact lives beyond entertainment. It reminds fans that behind massive franchises are people who still value kindness. Even without confirmation, the story has already changed how many view Rockstar Games.
Rockstar Games has officially confirmed that Grand Theft Auto VI will release on November 19, 2026. The game was first revealed in December 2023. It was initially planned for a 2025 launch.
Rockstar later delayed it to May 2026 and then pushed it again to November 2026. The company said the extra time would help polish the game and deliver a better experience. GTA 6 is set in the Miami-inspired Vice City and features two main characters, Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos.
