The highly anticipated video game Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6) is set to launch on November 19, 13 years after the release of Grand Theft Auto V, a previous blockbuster in the franchise. The game's developer, Rockstar Games, has launched a major promotional campaign, including a large preview broadcast on platforms like Netflix and YouTube. The release has sparked conversations about how it might influence work habits and the global economy, as people prepare for what many expect to be a major cultural event. According to the Wall Street Journal, some individuals are planning to take extended time off to play the game. For example, Guilherme Stephano, a Brazilian government employee, took ten days of vacation to explore GTA 6 and its portrayal of Florida. Meanwhile, the U.S. Army has also made preparations for the game's release. A July 28, 2026, memo addressed to the 9th Engineer Battalion in Georgia allows soldiers enlisting between August 1 and November 14 to take a four-day leave around the game's launch. The goal is to boost morale and retention by offering a special incentive for reenlistment. However, soldiers who don't meet specific standards, such as weight requirements or service performance, may not be eligible. So far, 44 out of 130 eligible soldiers have requested the leave. In the private sector, the game's impact is also being felt. An automotive parts manufacturer has warned that there could be a temporary dip in productivity as employees spend time exploring the game. The company expects operations to return to normal once the initial excitement subsides. On Reddit, an employee of a real estate company mentioned that additional approval is needed if they want to take leave starting November 19. A humorous online form has circulated, allowing employees to request leave from their managers, though it has no legal standing and formal requests are still required. In France, employees must notify their supervisors and human resources, with possible penalties for unjustified absences, including a joking reference to "GTA flu," a term inspired by previous absences linked to the game. The economic impact of GTA 6's release could be substantial. According to Challenger, Gray & Christmas, absenteeism linked to the game could cost more than a billion dollars in the U.S. alone. While this is less than the four billion dollars lost in productivity during the Super Bowl, which occurs annually, it is still significant. Before GTA 6, the only other video game to cause widespread workplace disruptions was Halo 3, released in 2007, which led to many employees taking the day off. However, GTA 6 is expected to generate over a billion dollars in revenue, benefiting Take-Two Interactive, the company behind the franchise, as well as retailers and third-party vendors. The game will also likely boost sales of new consoles, accessories, and even themed food items. Notably, GTA 6 will feature two protagonists, Lucia and Jason, marking the first time the series has introduced dual main characters.