A new analysis suggests that around 1.5 million people in the United States plan to take a sick day on the launch day of Grand Theft Auto 6. While no law requires it, this widespread behavior shows how gaming releases can shift workplace habits. Source: metro.co.uk.
What Happened
Professor José García Montalvo from Pompeu Fabra University in Barcelona estimated that about 1.5 million Americans will call in sick on GTA 6’s launch day. This figure is limited to the U.S. and does not include global activity. Still, it shows how a game launch can influence real-world decisions.
The launch falls on a Thursday. This day is common for weekend-style breaks. Many people plan to use it for gaming, especially with GTA 6’s high anticipation. The game’s release is expected to drive strong personal and social engagement.
Key Facts
- The launch is on a Thursday, which may tempt people to take a sick day.
- Men aged 18 to 30, especially in tech jobs, are most likely to take time off.
- Even those who work will likely be distracted, reducing productivity.
- Rockstar and Take-Two expect to earn up to $4.5 billion in the first seven days.
- There is no official budget for GTA 6, though rumors range from $1 billion to over $3 billion.
Background: How the Trend Works
When GTA 5 launched in 2013, about 6% of workers aged 18 to 35 in major U.S. cities took time off to play it. That behavior spread across industries and cities. It shows a deep cultural connection between gaming and daily life.
In Japan, Dragon Quest 3 caused hundreds of schoolchildren to skip school. Some were arrested for truancy. As a result, Square Enix moved all future Dragon Quest releases to Saturday. This shows how gaming can influence real-world policies — even if the response was not voluntary.
Why It Matters
U.S. businesses could see a 2% drop in productivity on launch day. That might cost them up to $1 billion in lost revenue. The financial impact is large, especially with the game’s expected earnings.
Rockstar expects to earn far more than the cost of lost productivity. This suggests a strong return on investment. The game’s launch has already changed how people plan their days.
Limitations and Open Questions
The data comes from one academic study and hasn’t been verified by employee surveys or official reports. Rockstar or Take-Two has not confirmed the game’s budget or revenue goals. All figures are estimates and may change.
It’s unclear how many people will actually take a sick day. The behavior may be limited to a few groups. Impact could vary by industry, location, and company culture. Some firms may discourage such actions.
What to Watch Next
As the launch nears, companies may adjust internal policies. Communications or incentives could emerge to manage employee expectations.
For more on GTA 6, subscribe to the GameCentral newsletter at metro.co.uk/tag/grand-theft-auto-6/.
Read more about the history of gaming and school truancy in this article on Dragon Quest 3.
For updates on other gaming developments, see Rockstar’s attempts to collaborate with Daft Punk.
Sources & further reading
Featured image: original publisher image. Via original publisher. Image source
