Rockstar has reportedly contacted a terminally ill fan’s family after a public plea and delivered “great news,” suggesting an early opportunity to experience the game ahead of release.
According to updates shared by the family member, it appears the studio responded quickly after the request gained attention. But no official details have been released. Rockstar and Take-Two have not publicly confirmed what was offered, and the family’s updates have been intentionally vague. That likely means confidentiality agreements are in place.
What Happened
One LinkedIn message turned into a wave of support that reached the top of one of gaming’s biggest companies. Here’s how it unfolded.
What Triggered the Request
Ubisoft Toronto developer Anthony Armstrong posted a request on LinkedIn on behalf of a family member who had been diagnosed with cancer. The prognosis was 6 to 12 months.
Armstrong asked for help securing an early opportunity for the fan to try Grand Theft Auto VI. He mentioned the patient lived near Rockstar’s Oakville studio and was prepared to sign a non-disclosure agreement if needed.
Viral Support Caught Rockstar’s Attention
Screenshots of the post quickly spread beyond LinkedIn. They were widely shared on social media and gaming forums, drawing support from across the industry.
Response from the Top
Armstrong later posted a short update. He said the request had reached the highest levels of Take-Two, including CEO Strauss Zelnick. He added that the family had received “great news,” but couldn’t say more.
Not long after, the posts were either removed or limited. That’s standard when legal agreements and personal privacy are involved.
Why It Resonates
This story hit home for a lot of people because of how the gaming community showed up. It didn’t matter what platform you played on or which studio you liked, people just wanted to help make someone’s wish come true. It was a reminder that, when gamers rally around something real, they can do a lot of good.
It also gave Rockstar a moment of goodwill. The studio is known for being secretive, sometimes to a fault. But moments like this remind people there are real humans behind the logo. Still, they have to be careful. Protecting their team, their work, and what’s coming next isn’t easy, especially when emotions run high.
If you’re thinking of helping, please don’t try to contact the family or Rockstar staff, and don’t try to find out who the fan is. That kind of attention can do more harm than good. A better way to support is by donating to cancer organizations or foundations that help people in similar situations.
FAQ
- Did Rockstar confirm it publicly?
No. As of now, there’s been no official statement from Rockstar or Take-Two.
- Did the fan actually play the game?
That has not been publicly confirmed.
- Who shared the updates?
Anthony Armstrong, a Ubisoft Toronto developer and relative of the fan.
- Why can’t details be revealed?
The most likely reasons are privacy and non-disclosure agreements.
- When is GTA 6 scheduled to launch?
November 19, 2026.
- Where did the request originate?
It was first posted on LinkedIn.
- Is there precedent for Rockstar doing this?
Yes. In 2018, a terminally ill fan in the Netherlands was allowed to play Red Dead Redemption 2 early.