A lot of people will be calling in sick on Nov. 19,
Strauss Zelnick told gaming news site IGN earlier this year regarding the launch of Grand Theft Auto VI. Almost one-fifth of American workers plan to take that day off to play the long-awaited title, according to platform data and surveys from BambooHR.
BambooHR Data Shows 18% of U.S. Workers Plan Time Off for Launch
The human-resources platform BambooHR, drawing on data from more than 3.4 million U.S.-based employees and surveys of over 1,500 workers, found that 18% of American employees intend to take November 19 off. Data from BambooHR reveals a spike of 9% to 17% in time-off requests for the release date compared to normal requests for the third Thursday in November. MarketWatch polls on Instagram and X show an even higher figure, with 32% of respondents planning to take the day off or play secretly while on the clock.
Record-Breaking Preorders and Circana Tracking History
Consumer demand has pushed pre-order numbers past previous benchmarks. Six weeks before release, Sensor Tower data showed nearly 7 million pre-orders generating over $600 million, a figure 148% higher than Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II at the same point in its release cycle. Circana data indicates that nearly one in three American console and PC gamers plan to buy the game, marking the highest level of purchase intent in the market-research firm’s tracking history. Karl Kontus, a senior vice president of videogame insights at Sensor Tower, stated that the game is in a league of its own.
Economic Impact Projections and Remote Work Adjustments
An International Business Times report estimated that the game could cost the U.S. economy $1 billion in lost productivity in a single day, though that calculation originated from a Barcelona economics professor and lacks a published paper. The prevalence of remote work also facilitates alternate viewing and playing habits. Jeffery Haynes, 40, noted that he plans to play while working from home, telling MarketWatch that he will play while I’m ‘working,’ too.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Launch
When does Grand Theft Auto VI release?
The game launches on Thursday, November 19, for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, with a PC port rumored for early 2027.
How many pre-orders has the game generated so far?
Sensor Tower data recorded nearly 7 million pre-orders totaling over $600 million six weeks prior to the release date.
What percentage of workers are requesting time off?
BambooHR platform data shows that 18% of American workers plan to take November 19 off, representing a request rate 13% higher than it was on similar days last year and in 2024.
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