With Grand Theft Auto VI set to launch on November 19, 2026, millions of fans are already thinking about how they will fit the game into their schedules. A new survey from Uswitch suggests that the excitement could have a noticeable impact on British workplaces, with an estimated 2.56 million employees potentially taking time off on launch day.

According to the survey, around 1,000 employed UK adults who play video games were asked about their plans for the release. Uswitch used their responses to estimate how many workers across the country might take annual leave, unpaid leave, or a sick day to play GTA 6.

The figures suggest that nearly 1.68 million workers could take paid leave, while around 887,515 might call in sick despite not being unwell. Uswitch estimates that the missed working time could be worth approximately £403.5 million across the UK.

However, these are projections based on survey responses, not confirmed holiday bookings or actual sickness records. The final number of workers who miss work on November 19 could be much lower or higher.

GTA 6 Could Affect Productivity Even Among Workers Who Show Up

Taking a day off is not the only way GTA 6 could affect workplaces. The Uswitch survey also found that some employees expect the game to distract them before and after its release.

Around 26% of respondents who plan to play GTA 6 expect to discuss the game with their colleagues on launch day. Meanwhile, 21% expect to feel more tired at work the following day after staying up late playing, and 16% anticipate a drop in their productivity.

The survey also found that 17% may change their working hours to make time for the game. Remote work could present another challenge, as 30% of remote workers reportedly said they might play GTA 6 during working hours.

These figures suggest that the game’s impact could extend beyond employees who take a full day off. However, they reflect what respondents say they might do rather than proof that productivity will fall by a specific amount.

How Uswitch Estimated the £403 Million Loss

Uswitch based its estimate on a UK working population of approximately 34.48 million people. The company estimated that 20.51 million working hours could be missed if the projected absences take place, using an eight-hour working day.

Using a median hourly pay figure of £19.67, Uswitch valued the lost working time at around £403.5 million. Its estimate includes approximately £263.8 million associated with annual leave and £139.7 million linked to potential sick days.

The calculation represents the estimated value of the time away from work, rather than money that businesses will necessarily lose in direct financial terms. Employees taking paid leave may have already earned those days as part of their employment benefits, while some businesses may be able to manage absences without a major drop in output.

The results should also be viewed in the context of the survey’s sample size. Responses from 1,000 people can offer an indication of potential behaviour, but applying those answers to millions of workers involves assumptions that may not reflect what happens on launch day.

GTA 6’s Release Is Becoming a Major Workplace Talking Point

The Uswitch findings follow similar discussions in the United States, where GTA 6’s launch has also been linked to predictions about increased absences and reduced productivity. One widely circulated estimate suggested that the US economy could face around $1 billion in lost output, although that figure has been challenged and does not come from a published national absenteeism study.

The game’s popularity is already influencing how some employees plan their time. Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick joked earlier this year that many people would likely call in sick when GTA 6 launches.

Still, there is a difference between booking annual leave to enjoy a major release and pretending to be ill. Some fans may take an approved day off, others may play after work, and many will simply wait until they have free time.

GTA 6 is scheduled to launch on November 19, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. With less than a month to go, the Uswitch survey offers a glimpse of just how much anticipation has built around Rockstar’s next Grand Theft Auto game.

Whether the projected £403.5 million figure reflects the eventual impact remains to be seen. For now, one thing is clear: plenty of players are already thinking about how to make room for GTA 6 on launch day.