A terminally ill fan has been given access to GTA 6 by Rockstar Games, months ahead of its November release date.
After several delays, we’re officially less than a year away from GTA 6 launching across PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, on November 19.
While it’s unlikely anyone outside of Rockstar will be able to play the long-awaited sequel before then, the developer has given a special exemption to one fan who has been battling cancer ‘for years’.
In December, Ubisoft Toronto developer Anthony Armstrong posted a plea on LinkedIn aimed at Rockstar, asking if they could set up a GTA 6 playtest for a member of his family who was recently given ‘6-12 months to live’.
‘The reason I’m reaching out is that they are a huge GTA fan and, with this latest updates [sic], he may not be around long enough to actually get to see GTA 6 launch, best case scenario he will be leaving us the same month it does,’ Armstrong wrote.
‘He currently lives only a stones throw from the Oakville studio, so its my hope that one of you may be able to set up an exclusive playtest, so he can have a chance to experience the game, before passing.’
He added: ‘I absolutely understand the need for secrecy at this point of development, so at the very least an NDA is probably needed. If anyone could send me a private m[e]ssage about this or provide any contact who could point us in the right direction, please do.’
A few weeks later, Armstrong provided an update stating Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick had reached out and they were ‘just waiting to hear from the Rockstar team to discuss further’.
In a final update, he added: ‘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.’
These LinkedIn posts have since been deleted, very likely due to Rockstar’s security instances (you can still find evidence of the posts via Google). However, various social media accounts managed to screenshot them before they disappeared.
This isn’t the first time Rockstar has let a terminally ill fan play one of its games early. A similar case happened in 2018, ahead of the launch of Red Dead Redemption 2, where a fan in the Netherlands named Jurian got to play a demo in advance.
Recently, a reliable insider suggested GTA 6 could be delayed again into 2027, claiming it was not yet ‘content complete’.
Expert, exclusive gaming analysis
Sign up to the GameCentral newsletter for a unique take on the week in gaming, alongside the latest reviews and more. Delivered to your inbox every Saturday morning.
This fan getting to play GTA 6 ahead of time doesn’t necessarily confirm or deny that, but as the Red Dead Redemption 2 example suggests, he’s very unlikely to have played the whole game, whether it’s 100% complete yet or not.
Email gamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below, follow us on Twitter.
To submit Inbox letters and Reader’s Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use our Submit Stuff page here.
For more stories like this, check our Gaming page.
It’s heartwarming to see that Rockstar Games is making such a meaningful gesture for a fan in need. This kind of wish fulfillment truly highlights the power of video games to bring joy, even in challenging times. It’s a reminder of the positive impact that the gaming community can have.
Absolutely, it really highlights the human side of gaming companies. It’s impressive how video games can bring joy and comfort, especially during tough times. This gesture not only supports the fan but also shows the positive impact of the gaming community.
can bring joy and connection, especially in tough times. Rockstar’s gesture not only shows compassion but also underscores the impact gaming can have on people’s lives. It’s a reminder of how stories and experiences in games can resonate deeply, even beyond entertainment.
Absolutely, it really highlights how video games can serve as a source of comfort and escape during difficult moments. It’s heartwarming to see a company like Rockstar using their platform for such a meaningful purpose. This kind of compassion can leave a lasting impact on both the fans and the wider community.
Absolutely, it really highlights how video games can serve as a source of comfort and escape during tough times. It’s heartwarming to see companies like Rockstar Games acknowledge the impact they can have on fans’ lives in meaningful ways. This gesture not only provides joy but also shows the powerful connection between gaming and emotional support.