GTA 6 launch drives increase in US vacation requests

The upcoming release of Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6) is impacting workforce trends in the United States. Data from HR software provider BambooHR indicates a significant rise in paid time off requests surrounding the game’s launch date on November 19.

According to the company, which serves over 30,000 businesses, requests for the third Thursday of November have increased by between 9% and 17% compared to historical averages. While BambooHR noted it cannot establish a definitive cause-and-effect relationship, the data shows a “real and reproducible signal” regarding the trend.

Given the estimated 80 hours required to complete the title, there is speculation that employees may also be requesting time off for the following Friday to create a long weekend dedicated to the game. GTA 6 is scheduled to debut on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.