While the release of GTA 6 is still a long way off, Rockstar would have allowed a seriously ill player to preview the game. A rare and touching gesture, relayed on social networks by a loved one, which arouses a wave of emotion and recognition in the community.
The story was shared by Anthony Armstrong, developer at Ubisoft Toronto, whose ill parent is passionate about the franchise Grand Theft Autohad only a few months to live. Thanks to online mobilization, Rockstar would have granted this poignant wish.
An open letter for a final wish around GTA 6
At the beginning of December, Anthony Armstrong published a moving message on LinkedIn. He made a direct appeal to Rockstar, in the hope that his loved one could access the long-awaited game before his death. The message, now deleted, revealed: “a member of my family, who has been battling cancer for years, has just learned the worst news: he only has 6 to 12 months to live.”
Installed near the Rockstar Toronto studio in Oakville, the fan hoped to be welcomed for a private testing session. Armstrong said: “I’m hoping one of you can arrange an exclusive playtest session so you can experience the game before you pass away.”
A discreet but positive response from Rockstar
The message was quickly relayed on social networks. A few weeks later, Armstrong released a quiet update, announcing that he had been contacted by the CEO of Take-Two. Then, in a final message, he confirmed that the wish had been granted: “We spoke with them today and received great news. That’s all I can really say, but thank you all from the bottom of my heart.”
Although the agreement remains under NDA (confidentiality agreement), everything suggests that the studio allowed the fan to test GTA 6 confidentially, as had already been the case for other players in the past.
A tradition of humanity in the video game industry
This isn’t the first time a publisher has granted a sick fan’s wish. In 2018, Rockstar had already allowed another terminally ill player to discover Red Dead Redemption 2 before its official release. Other studios like Bethesda have also left their mark, by paying tribute to fans in Fallout 4 Or Starfield.
These rare but sincere gestures demonstrate a strong bond between the studios and their communities, well beyond consoles and screens. In a context where Rockstar faces criticism, this gesture could also restore part of its image among the public.