Data from HR software company BambooHR suggests a peak in leave requests on November 19, the release date of GTA 6. Compared to the usual third Thursday of November, requests for this date reportedly increased by 9% to 17%.
According to Money.com, recent data from HR software company BambooHR shows a significant surge in leave requests on November 19. BambooHR pointed out that leave requests on November 19 increased by 9%-17% compared to the normal volume on the third Thursday of November. While we cannot confirm that everyone took time off to play GTA 6, it is reasonable to assume that most of these requests are related to the game.
Economists estimate that the release of GTA 6 will result in $1 billion in lost productivity in the United States. While we still need to wait and see the game's impact on the world, it is clear that this is a major event. Expectations for GTA 6 are high, with predictions that it will become one of the largest entertainment product launches in history, if not the largest.
Rockstar has also invested heavily in promotion, launching a series of lavish marketing campaigns; Rockstar spent $975,000 to install a huge neon pink billboard on top of the Miami Heat's home arena. The developer also placed in-game brand advertisements in Miami, as well as traditional banner ads featuring the game's key art. If players live in Miami, they can even visit Burger Shot, a fast-food chain from the GTA world, in real life.
On November 18, the Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks will play an unprecedented NBA game, with the Heat transforming into the "Vice City Heat." They will wear GTA 6-themed jerseys and play on the never-before-seen Vice City court. This promises to be a spectacular event and effective final promotion for the game.
GTA 6 will launch on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S on November 19. Rumors also suggest that the PC version will be released in early 2027.