GTA 6 Could Cost US Economy $1B in Just One Day as 1.5 Million Americans Might Skip Work to Play

Beyond the sales expectations, the launch raises a less familiar business question about the cost of employees choosing to play rather than work (Credit: Rockstar Games Official Website)

GTA 6 could draw 1.5 million Americans away from work on launch day, according to an economist's estimate that puts the potential productivity cost at $1 billion (about £746 million).

The game is scheduled for release on Thursday, 19 November 2026. Some players have already set aside annual leave, and California automotive parts business Burger Motorsports expects staff holidays to slow shipping and customer support.