GTA VI leave plans prompt BrightHR estimate of 83,000 days off

BrightHR’s November 4 announcement examines more than 1.2 million employees across 70,000 UK businesses. GTA appeared in 4.63% of leave requests for November 19.

A national projection

The company estimates 83,000 leave days during November and December, costing £12.4 million in wages. It extrapolates from customers representing 3.37% of the workforce and assumes £150 daily pay. One employee booked a fortnight off.

Leave costs are not measured economic losses

The figures should not be presented as a direct count of every worker or proven economic damage. Paid leave is an existing employee entitlement. Taking it to play a game does not, on its own, establish an additional loss of output.

Rockstar’s current schedule lists November 19, 2026 for GTA VI. The research concerns leave plans ahead of release, not the game’s sales or performance.

Sources: BrightHR research, November 4, 2026 · Rockstar Games: GTA VI