Terminally ILL Fan May Get Early Access to GTA 6

Image via Rockstar Games

Grand Theft Auto 6 is still a few months away from its big release on November 19, 2026, but it looks like a fan with a terminal illness might get to play Rockstar's much-anticipated open-world game a bit early.

Anthony Armstrong, a developer at Ubisoft Toronto, shared in a now-deleted LinkedIn post that a close family member, who’s been fighting cancer for years, was recently told they have 6 to 12 months left. This fan, a die-hard GTA lover, was worried they wouldn’t make it to see the GTA 6 launch.

Armstrong made a public plea to his contacts at Rockstar Games and Rockstar Toronto, hoping for a chance at a private playtest under strict confidentiality. He even offered to sign an NDA if necessary. The post quickly caught the gaming community's attention.

Weeks later, Armstrong provided an update stating that Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick had personally contacted him, and Rockstar Games was expected to follow up. In a final update, Armstrong confirmed that Rockstar had reached out and the family had received "great news," although no further details were disclosed. All posts were subsequently removed, likely due to legal or confidentiality reasons.

Although Rockstar Games and Take-Two have not released any official statements, the tone of Armstrong’s final message strongly implies that the fan’s wish might be granted.

This is not the first time Rockstar has honored such a request. In 2018, the studio reportedly allowed a terminally ill fan to play Red Dead Redemption 2 before its release, receiving widespread acclaim from the gaming community.

GTA 6, which has already encountered several delays from its initial Fall 2025 release window, remains one of the most eagerly awaited video games of all time. If confirmed, this gesture would showcase Rockstar’s compassionate side amid ongoing scrutiny and high expectations surrounding the game’s launch.