Australian workers request leave for Grand Theft Auto VI launch amid HR concerns

The launch of Grand Theft Auto VI on November 19, 2026 is prompting a noticeable increase in leave requests across Australian workplaces. Rather than using informal sick days, several employees have submitted transparent leave applications covering the launch week, citing the game as the reason for their absence.

Human-resources managers have begun alerting staff that stacking leave around the release could create operational challenges. One HR representative said the volume of requests was “creating a scheduling headache for many departments.”

The trend has also attracted attention overseas. According to an Associated Press report, the U.S. Army’s 9th Brigade Engineer Battalion at Fort Stewart offered a four-day leave incentive to soldiers who reenlisted, with at least 20 of roughly 130 eligible personnel signing up.

Individual workers have shared their motivations publicly. A corporate employee, identified only as Derek, explained that he is using accrued long-service leave to experience the game at his own pace, noting that he prefers “to explore rather than sprint through everything” during the week.

Industry observers note that the phenomenon reflects broader shifts in how employees balance personal interests with work commitments. While some managers have responded permissively—one Reddit user reported a manager’s reply of “Enjoy”—others are urging staff to consider the impact on team productivity.

Take-Two Interactive’s chief executive, Strauss Zelnick, acknowledged the situation with a light-hearted comment that “a lot of people will be calling in sick on November 19,” underscoring the cultural significance of the title.

Employers are now weighing employee autonomy against the need to maintain service levels during a period that many anticipate will see a spike in gaming activity.