With Grand Theft Auto VI scheduled for release on November 19, anticipation is reaching a fever pitch, leading to predictions of significant employee absenteeism. Economists estimate that the game's launch week could result in a $1 billion loss in U.S. productivity as workers take time off to play.
One car tuning company, Burger Motorsports, has already announced it will close its doors on November 19 due to an overwhelming number of employee requests for the day off. The Australian government has also issued public service announcements to inform citizens of their rights regarding time off around the game's release.
Even the U.S. Army has reportedly offered soldiers an incentive of four days off for reenlisting around the time of GTA 6's launch. The cultural impact extends beyond the workplace, with NBA star Steven Adams humorously suggesting a league-wide performance dip among athletes and coaches due to the game's release.
Rockstar Games is employing an extensive marketing campaign to ensure awareness. Advertisements have been spotted across major cities including Miami, New York City, and Paris. The game's soundtrack is also a major focus, featuring an album with contributions from artists like Cardi B, Travis Scott, and Keith Richards. Furthermore, the in-game radio stations will be hosted by prominent musicians such as Lana Del Rey, Morgan Wallen, and Bad Bunny, playing a mix of popular hits.
GTA 6 is set to launch on November 19 for Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5. A PC version is rumored to be in development for release in the first quarter of 2027.