GTA 6 Causes 17% Spike in Time Off Requests on Game's Release Date

GTA 6’s release has led to as much as a 17% increase in time-off requests, according to a new report.

As reported by Money.com, new data from HR software company BambooHR revealed that there has been a notable spike in time-off requests for November 19. BambooHR revealed that there has been an increase between 9% to 17% on November 19, compared to normal requests for the third Thursday in November. While we aren’t sure if every single person is taking that day off to play GTA 6, it stands to reason that this is what the bulk of these requests are for.

Economists have estimated a $1 billion loss in productivity in the United States due to GTA 6’s release. While we’ll just have to wait and see what kind of impact the game has on the world, it is clear that this is a massive event. There’s a high level of anticipation for GTA 6, and it is expected to have one of the biggest entertainment launches of all time, if not the biggest.

Rockstar has also been spending a ton of money to get the word out with extravagant marketing; it spent $975,000 to install a massive neon pink sign on top of the Miami Heat’s arena, after all. The developer also covered the city with in-universe ads for brands in the game, along with more traditional banners featuring the game’s key art. Fans can even eat at a real life version of Burger Shot, a fast food chain in the GTA universe, if they live in Miami.

There will also be an unprecedented NBA game between the Miami Heat and the Milwaukee Bucks on November 18, which will turn the Heat into the Vice City Heat. They will play with GTA 6-themed jerseys on a never-before-seen Vice City court. It should be quite the spectacle, and serve as an effective final marketing beat for the game.

GTA 6 will release on November 19 for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. A PC port is also rumored for early 2027.