Analysts Warn GTA VI Release Could Damage Economy

Some specialists have already taken time off, while others might simply start skipping work.

Grand Theft Auto VI is scheduled for release in a few months. Some people have waited more than a decade for the game, and the launch will be a massive event.

According to some estimates, the new release from Rockstar Games could cause noticeable tangible damage to the economy. Potentially, it could reach nearly one billion dollars.

Analysts expect that “thousands of Americans,” especially young men aged 18 to 30, will skip work and studies to play Grand Theft Auto VI. Naturally, absenteeism during the GTA VI release period may also occur in other regions.

It is assumed that the technology sector will be the most “impacted” by the GTA VI release. This could be facilitated by widespread remote work, as it is easier for many specialists to be absent from work and disconnect so they can sit down to play.

At least one campaign launched within the US military is publicly known, offering time off for the GTA VI release in exchange for contract extensions. Dozens of service members have already taken advantage of this offer. Additionally, some companies have pre-arranged days off in November.

Grand Theft Auto VI is scheduled for release on November 19 of this year for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S consoles. Nothing has been announced yet regarding the release window for the PC version.