A Touching Gesture from Rockstar Games
In a world where gaming has become an integral part of our lives, it's heartening to see developers stepping up in ways that truly matter. Rockstar Games, the creator of the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6), has showcased its compassionate side by granting early access to the game for a dedicated fan battling terminal illness. With the game set to release on November 19, 2026, this heartfelt gesture brings hope and joy to a fan who may not have the chance to experience the game upon its official release.
The story began last December when Anthony Armstrong, a UI Integrator at Ubisoft Toronto, made a heartfelt appeal on LinkedIn. He shared that a family member and avid fan of the GTA franchise had been enduring a prolonged battle with cancer, receiving the unfortunate prognosis of just 6 to 12 months to live. With the approaching launch date of GTA 6, Armstrong feared that his loved one may not survive long enough to play the game they had been eagerly anticipating for years.
Armstrong reached out to his LinkedIn network, seeking help to contact Rockstar Games to arrange a special experience for the terminally ill fan. In March, he posted an update indicating that he had been contacted by the CEO of Take-Two Interactive, the parent company of Rockstar Games, and was awaiting confirmation from the Rockstar team.
A later update brought encouraging news, as Armstrong shared, “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.” This implies that Rockstar Games may have granted the family early access to GTA 6 under a non-disclosure agreement (NDA), allowing the fan a unique opportunity to play the game ahead of others.
A Kindness Worth Sharing
While details are scarce due to the game's unreleased status, it has sparked curiosity regarding the version of the game the fan was given access to. Notably, industry insider Jason Schreier mentioned on a recent Button Mash Podcast that GTA 6 is still in development, with the team focused on completing levels and refining gameplay.
Although our outlet typically covers smartphone-related news, such a remarkable act of kindness from Rockstar Games deserves recognition. This isn't the first time the company has gone out of its way for fans; in 2018, they allowed a terminally ill child to experience Red Dead Redemption 2 before its release after a father made a similar request.
Employing heartfelt tributes is not exclusive to Rockstar Games; Bethesda Game Studios has also honored fans, including a touching note in Starfield dedicated to a fan named Alex Hay, who sadly passed away before the game's launch.
