Video Game Releases Prompt Surge in Employee Time-Off Requests
Employers report a notable increase in paid-time-off requests this November, coinciding with the launches of several high-profile video games, including Grand Theft Auto 6.
Employers are seeing a rise in paid-time-off (PTO) requests this month as three major video games debut. Activision Blizzard released a new subscription-based version of World of Warcraft, Nintendo announced a remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for the Switch 2, and Rockstar scheduled the launch of Grand Theft Auto 6 for November 19.
Workforce-management firm UKG said PTO requests for the week of the GTA 6 release are about 20% higher than the same period in previous years. Accounting firm PwC estimated overall PTO requests this month are 9% to 17% above typical levels. A survey of 1,040 U.S. workers by Zety found that 11% plan to take time off for the GTA 6 launch, with 19% of men and 7% of women indicating they would do so. The survey also noted that 15% of respondents expect to call in sick to play the games.
"PTO is meant to replenish, relax, and do whatever you need to do to feel good," said Jasmine Escalera, a Ph.D. career expert who authored the study. "And if that is playing a video game for the day, there's nothing wrong with that."
Company representatives have acknowledged the trend. Omar Soliman, co-founder of College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving, told Business Insider that the upcoming releases are a unique cultural moment for many young workers. James Killick, media-relations manager at Raptor PR, said he requested November 19 off months in advance to play GTA 6, and his CEO, Rana Rahman, added an extra day of annual leave for the entire nine-person team and provided each employee with a copy of the game.
Social media activity reflects the anticipated time off, with the official World of Warcraft account asking followers if they plan to take November 4 off and receiving a majority affirmative response. Similar discussions appeared on gaming forums and subreddits, where users shared tips for scheduling PTO around launch times.