Australian Employers Brace for GTA VI Sickie Wave

Australian employers are bracing for a wave of staff absences when the highly anticipated game Grand Theft Auto VI launches on November 19, 2026. As of November 13, 2026, anticipation for the title has reached a fever pitch, with some businesses reportedly offering staff the day off to avoid unauthorized absences.

Why it is trending now

The trend follows the announcement that Grand Theft Auto VI is the most pre-ordered game ever in the digital stores of Sony and Microsoft. The game marks the first new release in the franchise in 13 years. Because the game unlocks at midnight, many Australian players are expected to stay up late or take the following Thursday off to play, leading to concerns about productivity in workplaces across the country.

Key facts

• Take-Two Interactive chief executive Strauss Zelnick stated he expects many people to call in sick on the day of the release.
• PR consultant Eitan Soloducho estimates the launch could cost the Australian economy at least $70 million, assuming one in 100 of the roughly 14 million workers takes a sick day.
• The game has seen a surge in pre-loading activity, with developers noting that the file size, reaching up to 212 gigabytes, is straining household internet connections.
• The title has been in development for 13 years, following the long-running success of Grand Theft Auto V.

Why this is trending in Australia

Australia is seeing a surge in interest as local gamers prepare for the midnight release. The potential for widespread workplace disruption has gained attention from national media and payroll managers who are monitoring shift data for the upcoming Thursday.

Background and context

Grand Theft Auto V, the previous instalment in the series, has remained one of the top-selling games in Australia for over a decade. The immense popularity of the franchise has led to significant logistical preparations, with gamers pre-loading the massive file size onto PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X consoles well ahead of the official launch date.

What happens next

The game will officially unlock for Australian players at midnight on November 19. Employers and internet service providers are expected to monitor network traffic and staff attendance closely throughout the release day. Beyond the launch, the industry will assess the long-term impact on digital infrastructure and workplace policy.