While millions of players are already counting the days until next November, unfortunately not everyone will be able to discover the new Grand Theft Auto. For a family, this wait takes on a tragic dimension. The testimony, published on Reddit, describes the extremely difficult medical journey of a young fan of the license, followed since childhood for multiple pathologies.
A life punctuated by hospitals and operations
His big brother candidly details the ordeals he went through: “My brother had to fight against left ventricular hypoplasia syndrome, strokes and liver and kidney failure. He underwent open heart operations, a back operation for scoliosis and spent a large part of his life in hospital.”
Despite these obstacles, video games have become a refuge. Specifically, GTA Online offered him an escape during his intensive heart failure treatments. Through investment, he even exceeded 900 million virtual dollars in his Maze Bank account, by methodically developing his in-game businesses.
GTA Online, much more than just a game
Over the years, this multiplayer mode has become a real space of expression for young players. His brother says: “He owns almost everything in the game, and his clothing style is really great. Some of my favorite memories with him are those times spent playing this game, watching him grow up into the brother he is today, and watching his collection evolve in GTA Online.”
Then he adds: “Despite all of that, he’s still one of the sweetest, kindest people I know. He’s not capable of doing much else, so GTA Online has been a great way for him to express himself and have fun doing something he loves.” But the young fan’s health has deteriorated significantly over the past two years.
“Unfortunately, he is in terminal heart failure and his condition has deteriorated significantly over the last two years. We hope he regains his strength and continues to fight so we can spend as much time with him as possible. I was really hoping he would still be around to see the release of GTA VI, but it is looking more and more likely that he will miss it.”
The Reddit community reacts, between support and lucidity
Faced with this call, many Internet users expressed their solidarity. Some also shared their experiences with requests to studios: “The help desk can certainly forward these requests to the appropriate people. But be prepared for rejection. Sometimes it’s just impossible. I’m so sorry about your boyfriend, it’s hard.”
Another nuanced comment: “I hate to say it, but some requests like this are false, and they may be overwhelmed by it after the revelation that they let this happen. Basically, a lot of people are morons.” Even if no official response has yet been given, this mobilization shows the community’s deep attachment to this type of human story.
Rockstar Games has already opened its doors to dying fans
This wouldn’t be a first for Rockstar Games. In 2018, a terminally ill Dutch fan was able to discover Red Dead Redemption 2 during a private demonstration, before the official release of the game. According to several testimonies relayed by the community, other players with incurable illnesses also had access to GTA 6 in advance. There is no guarantee that this new request will succeed, but for this big brother, the objective remains simple: to offer his younger brother one last moment of joy in the world he has always loved.