Australians and New Zealanders stand to become the first gamers in the world to play the R-rated video game Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA6), prompting warnings from experts that some staff might not turn up to work on Friday, November 20, as reported by The Conversation.
Staggered Global Release Schedule Sets Antipodean Launch
Game developer Rockstar Games plans a staggered, late-night global release on Wednesday, November 19, rather than a simultaneous launch. This scheduling means players across Australia and New Zealand will access the title hours before most other international regions, including Miami, Florida, which serves as the inspiration for the game’s fictional setting, Vice City.
Multi-Million Dollar Pre-Sales Drive Commercial Anticipation
The upcoming title has already generated an estimated US$600 million in pre-sales revenue more than a month before its official debut. Industry analysts forecast the release will establish new benchmarks for multi-billion-dollar commercial sales worldwide following its November rollout.
Fair Work Ombudsman issues public notice on leave requests
Social media platforms have featured numerous posts and videos detailing plans by workers to miss shifts on November 20. In response, the Fair Work Ombudsman in Australia issued a themed public notice addressing anticipated requests for extra unpaid leave.
Under Australia’s Fair Work Act, employees accrue different leave categories with specific legal conditions. Annual leave can be utilized for any purpose, provided employees have accrued sufficient time and secured employer agreement. Because businesses must maintain operational staffing levels, employers can refuse leave requests if too many staff apply for the same date.
Paid personal leave—covering sick leave and carer’s leave—applies strictly to illness, injury, or unexpected family emergencies, meaning video game releases do not qualify. Unpaid leave carries no general employee entitlement outside of specific community service duties or parental obligations. Submitting false reasons for leave can constitute workplace misconduct.
In New Zealand, the regulatory framework remains largely comparable. Employees with accrued annual leave may use it for personal activities, and employers cannot unreasonably withhold consent without valid business reasons. However, taking unauthorized sick leave risks disciplinary action or dismissal.
Employers can decline leave requests for staffing needs
Can an employer reject an annual leave request for the GTA6 release date?
Yes. Under both Australian and New Zealand employment laws, employers can decline annual leave requests if granting them would leave the business with insufficient staff to maintain normal operations.
What are the consequences of taking sick leave to play a video game?
Falsely claiming paid sick leave—often referred to as pulling a sickie—violates employment terms in both Australia and New Zealand. Such actions can lead to formal disciplinary processes or termination of employment.
Do employees have a legal right to take unpaid leave for entertainment events?
No. Unpaid leave in both countries is generally restricted to specific circumstances such as jury duty, emergency management activities, or parental and carer responsibilities, excluding recreational activities like video game launches.
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