The family of a terminally ill cancer patient got Rockstar to let him play GTA VI before its official release.
Rockstar responded positively to the family’s request. A private session was arranged, during which the incurably ill fan was able to play GTA VI before its official release.
The family was contacted, reportedly directly by Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick. Anthony Armstrong later confirmed that they had received wonderful news, but cannot reveal any details due to an agreement. Rockstar has not issued any public statement.
Who is the patient who played GTA VI before its release
The story centres on a man who has struggled with cancer for years and has been a devoted fan of the Grand Theft Auto series since childhood. Recently, doctors gave the family a dramatic prognosis: the patient had only 6-12 months to live. His greatest dream was to see and play GTA VI, which is officially set to launch in November 2026.
A relative of the patient, Ubisoft Toronto developer Anthony Armstrong, decided to act before it was too late. In an emotional LinkedIn post, he asked the industry for help in reaching Rockstar Games, noting that the patient lives near the studio in the Toronto area.
How Rockstar made it possible to play GTA VI before release
Armstrong’s post quickly gained traction, and the fan’s story spread across the internet. According to reports, the matter caught the attention of Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick himself, who helped connect the family directly with Rockstar Games. In a follow-up update, Armstrong wrote that they had „received great news”, thanking everyone for their support – a clear signal that the studio had found a way to fulfil the dream.
Although the details are shrouded in secrecy and most likely covered by NDAs, industry media consistently report that Rockstar organised a private showing or closed playtest of GTA VI exclusively for the patient. This is a huge exception, as the studio is known for its obsessive secrecy and strict protection of its projects against leaks.
Reaction from the gaming community
The story quickly became one of the most widely shared topics in gaming media and on social platforms.
Many commenters compared the situation to well-known initiatives by foundations such as Make-A-Wish, which have for years worked with the games industry to fulfil the wishes of seriously ill children. For some fans, it is proof that behind a corporation responsible for a controversial and brutal series stands a team of people capable of showing empathy in the most difficult moments.
