Business · Economy · 7 hrs ago
GTA 6 release could cost US economy $1 billion in lost productivity
Up to 1.5 million US workers may miss work to play Grand Theft Auto VI, according to an estimate.
The game, made by Rockstar Games, is set for release on November 19.
Economics professor José García Montalvo estimated that the absences could cost the US about $1 billion in lost output.
That figure is a projection, not a confirmed loss, and another estimate uses average US output per employee to reach a similar total.
The last game in the series, Grand Theft Auto V, also prompted some players to take time off when it launched in 2013.
The estimate highlights the possible workday impact of a major game release, while publisher Take-Two Interactive expects the new game to help drive its operating cash flow this fiscal year.
GTA 6’s planned release on November 19 could cost the US economy about $1 billion in lost productivity, according to an economics professor’s estimate.
About 1.5 million American workers are projected to call in sick to play the game.
Some workers have reportedly saved paid time off for launch day, and some companies have included the date in end-of-year packages.
Take-Two Interactive, GTA 6’s publisher, expects more than $1 billion in operating cash flow this fiscal year, with the game expected to lead the way.
- Who
- About 1.5 million American workers are projected to miss work. The estimate was made by economics professor José García Montalvo.
- What
- GTA 6’s release could result in roughly $1 billion in lost US productivity.
- When
- November 19, the game’s planned release date.
- Where
- The United States.
- Why
- Workers are expected to call in sick or take time off to play the game.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The final Harry Potter movie’s US release was reported to have coincided with 5% of American employees missing work.
Grand Theft Auto V was released; an IGN survey found that 46% of nearly 11,000 respondents had taken the day off.
Avengers: Endgame’s opening weekend was reported to have cost the US nearly $3 billion in lost productivity.
GTA 6 is scheduled for release, with about 1.5 million American workers projected to miss work.
- Projected US productivity loss
- Roughly $1 billion
- Projected workers missing work
- About 1.5 million
- Planned release date
- November 19
- Professor cited
- José García Montalvo
- Publisher
- Take-Two Interactive