In a remarkable display of corporate compassion within the gaming industry, Rockstar Games appears to have responded positively to an extraordinary request concerning a terminally ill fan. The situation emerged following Ubisoft Toronto developer Anthony Armstrong’s emotional LinkedIn appeal in late 2025, shortly after Rockstar’s announcement delaying Grand Theft Auto VI’s release to November 2026.
Armstrong’s public plea detailed the heartbreaking circumstances of a family member with terminal cancer who had received a devastating prognosis of six to twelve months to live. Recognizing the fan’s unlikely survival until the game’s November launch, Armstrong reached out to his industry connections at Rockstar Games, specifically mentioning the proximity to Rockstar’s Oakville studio. The proposal included arrangements for a strictly controlled playtest under non-disclosure agreement, respecting the company’s legendary confidentiality protocols.
The gaming community’s response was immediate and overwhelming, with the post rapidly gaining traction across social platforms. Subsequent updates from Armstrong indicated that both Rockstar Games and parent company Take-Two Interactive had made contact with promising developments, strongly suggesting the request would be honored.
While Armstrong has since removed the original post and requested privacy regarding the matter, this incident reflects Rockstar’s previously demonstrated compassion. In 2018, the studio similarly granted early access to Red Dead Redemption 2 for a terminally ill player, establishing precedent for such humanitarian gestures within their corporate culture. Take-Two subsidiary 2K Games has also arranged comparable experiences for Borderlands franchise fans facing similar health challenges.
The gaming industry continues to demonstrate its capacity for meaningful human connection beyond commercial interests, with this potential act of kindness resonating throughout the global gaming community.