Next November 19, Grand Theft Auto VI will be released, aka the most anticipated video game of all time. On the same date, requests for time off are apparently much more numerous than usual. Coincidence?
A 13% spike in time off certified by BambooHR
Thirteen percent more time-off requests next November 19, compared with the same date in previous years. That is what the human resources platform BambooHR reports, directly linking it to an event taking place on the same day: the release of the video game Grand Theft Auto VI. Rockstar fans are taking a day offThis figure concerns only the United States, but should be reflected everywhere else where the game will be launched, and increase by the release date. Admittedly, these requests are not 100% due to GTA VI, but this unusual spike leaves no doubt, especially since 18% of employees surveyed by BambooHR admit that they will take that day off specifically to play Rockstar’s title.
$5 billion in lost revenue
A great ad for this game, which does not need one, but also a loss for the American economy, since the site win.gg reports that workers who show up at work after sacrificing several hours of sleep for a video game lose an average of 2 hours of productivity, which amounts to an estimated $5 billion in lost revenue.
Reminder of the key features of Grand Theft Auto VI:
• Publisher: Rockstar Games/Take-Two Interactive
• Developer: Rockstar Studios
• Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
• Release date: November 19, 2026
• Genre: open-world action-adventure