Grand Theft Auto 6 arrives on November 19, 2026, and the upcoming open-world adventure from developer and publisher Rockstar Games is already prompting millions of players to rearrange their calendars. Ahead of the launch, a survey commissioned by PCMag and conducted by YouGov indicates that approximately 12.5 million US gamers intend to take paid time off or adjust their work and school schedules to play.
Quick Facts
- Release Date: November 19, 2026
- Developer/
Publisher: Rockstar Games - ESRB Rating: Pending (Likely Mature 17+)
- Estimated US Players Adjusting Schedules: ~12.5 million (8% of adult gamers)
Survey Findings on Launch Week Scheduling
The YouGov survey questioned 2,024 American adults—including 1,154 self-identified gamers—between October 23 and 27. Among respondents planning to make room for GTA 6 3% intend to take at least two days off, another 3% plan to take a full day, and 2% will take a half-day or adjust their working hours. Gen Z emerged as the most committed demographic, with 13% of respondents in that generation planning to change their schedules.
Not all players are altering their routines, however. Around 68% of US adults surveyed stated they do not plan to play GTA 6 at launch, while 14% intend to fit the game into their regular daily routines. Another 4% plan to clear their evenings and weekends rather than take formal time off.
Employer Responses to the Launch
While most players will need to negotiate personal time or use standard leave, at least one company has proactively adjusted its policies. Worldworthy, the company that publishes the Worldworthy 100 global rankings, announced that employees wanting to play GTA 6 can take up to three paid days off starting November 19 without requiring doctors' notes or excuses.
"We decided not to fight it," founder and editor Ivgeni Zarubinski stated in a press release. The optional offer leaves the company's rankings desk open throughout launch week for staff who prefer to keep working.
The upcoming title follows the ongoing commercial performance of Grand Theft Auto 5 which has surpassed 200 million copies sold since its initial release in 2013.