More Than 1 in 10 Workers Are Changing Their Schedules or Taking Time Off for GTA VI

The wait for Grand Theft Auto VI is almost over, and some workers are already planning to step away from their desks for a return to Vice City.

Zety surveyed 1,040 U.S. workers about how major sporting and entertainment events affect their work schedules. The findings show that 11% of workers plan to take time off or adjust their schedules for the GTA VI release, with Gen Z leading at 22%.

The GTA VI Launch and Leave Report explores what happens when a game launch meets the work calendar, looking at how workers make space for the entertainment they don’t want to miss.

Key Findings

Gen Z Leads Plans to Take Time Off for GTA VI

The GTA VI launch is an event worth rearranging work calendars for. More than 1 in 10 workers (11%) plan to take time off or adjust their schedules for the release, with younger workers and men more likely to do so. 

By generation: 

• 22% — Gen Z 
• 16% — Millennials 
• 2% — Gen X 
• 2% — Baby boomers

By gender: 

• 19% — Men
• 7% — Women 

PTO & Sick Days Are Part of the Game Plan

GTA VI isn’t the first video game release workers have taken time off for. Overall, nearly 1 in 10 (9%) say they’ve previously taken time off for a major video game release, while 43% have watched, played, or followed a major sporting or entertainment event during normal working hours.

Looking ahead, workers are considering a range of ways to make time for major events, including:

• 25% — Planned PTO or vacation time
• 15% — Calling out sick 
• 9% — Taking unpaid time off
• 9% — Changing their work schedule or hours 
• 6% — Working remotely instead 

Some people count down to a flight. Others count down to a game they’ve waited years to play. Either way, having something to look forward to outside work gives a day off its value. Employees don’t need a boarding pass to feel like their vacation is worthwhile. 

For press inquiries, please contact Skyler Acevedo at skyler.acevedo@bold.com.

Methodology

The findings presented are based on a survey of 1,040 U.S. workers, conducted on October 6, 2026, using Pollfish.

The study examined workers’ experiences with major sporting and entertainment events, including past time off, participation during normal work hours, and plans to take leave or change work arrangements for upcoming events. This report focuses on video game releases and plans for Grand Theft Auto VI.

Respondents answered yes/no, open-ended, scale-based (indicating agreement with statements), and multiple-choice questions (selecting from a list of options). 

Demographic Breakdown

The sample included 64% female, 35% male, and 1% nonbinary respondents. By generation, 26% of respondents were Gen Z, 28% were millennials, 28% were Gen X, and 18% were baby boomers.