Projected Economic Losses from Absenteeism
According to research referenced by RockstarINTEL, the volume of workers calling in sick or using leave on GTA VI's launch day is forecast to produce more than one billion dollars in lost productivity across the United States. The study was conducted by José Montalvo, professor of economics at Pompeu Fabra University, and reported via El Output. The figure reflects only the single day of November 19 and does not include subsequent days off.
Demographics and Sector Impact
The report identifies men aged 18 to 30 as the group most likely to miss work or classes, with the technology sector expected to experience the largest share of absences. Productivity is projected to fall by roughly two percent on that day. Earlier data on GTA V showed similar patterns, with up to six percent of the same age group in cities such as Los Angeles and New York taking the release day off.
Sales Forecasts and Industry Context
RockstarINTEL previously reported that GTA VI is on pace to sell approximately 50 million copies at launch and generate around 4.5 billion dollars in revenue. While the absenteeism study highlights costs to the broader economy, the same figures indicate substantially larger gains for Take-Two and its shareholders, including additional economic activity for the United Kingdom where the studio is based.