Fans have been waiting for Grand Theft Auto 6 for a whole 13 years now, no thanks to GTA Online hogging Rockstar’s attention. Some longtime fans didn’t even live long enough to see the sequel announced, let alone released. Now, Rockstar may be granting the wish of a terminally ill GTA 6 fan to play it early. But it seems not everyone is convinced the story is as wholesome as it sounds.
The story originated from a now-deleted LinkedIn post by Anthony Armstrong, a Ubisoft Toronto developer. He explained that a family member battling cancer had recently been given a prognosis of 6 to 12 months to live. As a huge GTA fan living near Rockstar’s Oakville studio, the family hoped the company might allow an early GTA 6 playtest.
To any of my connections at Rockstar Games and Rockstar Toronto, or anyone else that may be able to help. A member of my family woh has been battling cancer for years just recently got the worst possible news, he was given 6 – 12 months to live.
The reason I’m reaching out is that they are a huge GTA fan and, with this latest update, he may not be around long enough to actually get to see GTA 6 launch, best case scenario he will be leaving us the same month it does. He currently lives only a stones throw from the Oakville studio, so its my hope that one of you may be able to set up an exclusive playtest, so he can have a chance to experience the game, before passing.
Sometime later, Armstrong updated the post, suggesting they’ve been in contact with both Take-Two CEO and Rockstar and have been given ‘great news.’
Final Update: We spoke to them today and got great news. That’s all I can really say, but thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
However, as the heartfelt story spread, skepticism quickly followed — particularly on Reddit. Several users questioned the timing, calling it ‘convenient’ given Rockstar and Take-Two’s recent criticism over alleged unionbusting. Others went further, accusing the situation of being ‘astroturfing,’ framing it as a calculated public relations move to soften the blow.
“Sounds like a publicity stunt since their recent bad rep with the firings,” commented I_Am_A_Goo_Man, skeptical.
“Wow! It’s a good thing they didn’t have a continuation of the bombshell that was their union busting and anti-worker’s rights case just drop a few days ago,” wrote Minirig355 sarcastically. “Oh wait, they did.”
RedVeist’s comment in another subreddit echoed the sentiment, saying, “This is just astroturfing in an attempt to deflect from the Union busting.”
“Sounds like they’re trying to drum up good PR whilst they try to let them firing Union Workers blow over,” added First-Junket124. “Good for the fan, still a $#1&4 anti-union company.”
That said, the company does have a history of granting similar requests. In 2018 (from gamersnet.nl archived via Reddit), Rockstar Netherlands helped fulfill the last wish of Jurian, a terminally ill Red Dead Redemption 2 fan suffering from neurofibromatosis type 2 tumor. After his father reached out, Rockstar staff visited Jurian and gave him a private early demo of the game before release.
Whether you see this ill GTA 6 fan wish story as cynical damage control or a sincere act of kindness depends on how much faith you have in Rockstar. After all, these days, even good deeds can come with an asterisk — especially when your reputation is on the line.
