Norwegian Man Takes Week Off Work to Play GTA 6 Release
When Grand Theft Auto VI arrives on November 19, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, it will do so with a potential economic toll that financial analysts and business observers say could reach one billion dollars in lost productivity across the United States.
A Billion-Dollar Labor Disruption
According to ITavisen, estimates compiled by Spanish radio broadcaster Cadena SER and calculated by Pompeu Fabra University economics professor José García Montalvo indicate that American businesses could absorb up to one billion dollars in lost productivity on launch day alone. Up to 1.5 million workers in the United States may stay home to play the game, with the technology sector facing the heaviest disruption. Professor José García Montalvo specifically points to men between 18 and 30 years of age, explaining that widespread remote work makes it easier for employees to use working hours for other activities. Some businesses have already decided to stay closed entirely on launch day.
Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick previously stated that widespread job absences should be expected upon release, with some employees likely calling in sick. Software developer Bud Burruss told The Wall Street Journal that he plans to take five days off for the launch, mirroring preparations seen globally as fans wait more than thirteen years since the September 2013 release of Grand Theft Auto V. Grand Theft Auto V generated one billion dollars in revenue in just three days following its release, and analysts project opening-weekend sales of up to 37 million copies for the upcoming sequel.
Player Preparations in Norway and Abroad
Simo Bouaoud, a 38-year-old department manager and family man from Våler, Norway, is among the many players clearing their schedules entirely for the launch. Bouaoud secured a week of vacation starting on the release date and informed his employer that he cannot be reached during his time away. He has already pre-ordered the game and stands ready with his PlayStation 5.
While Bouaoud faces friendly teasing from colleagues who call him crazy for spending his break at home playing video games, broader economic forecasts suggest his approach is part of a much larger international phenomenon. Back in Våler, Bouaoud plans to explore the fictional state of Leonida and its central city, Vice City. He intends to stock up on groceries before locking his doors, convinced that millions of players share his anticipation even if they are less vocal about their plans. He estimates spending around 100 hours of gameplay to complete the title and explore the expansive new map.
Rockstar Games Targets The Game Awards 2026 Eligibility
The title’s developer, Rockstar Games, faced two postponements before locking in the November date, moving the rollout from an initial 2025 window to May 2026 and finally to late November. That timing places the game just within the eligibility window for The Game Awards 2026. Organizer Geoff Keighley’s event operates with a November 20 cutoff for nominations, allowing the title to compete across all categories despite arriving just one day prior. Although this date has served as the final deadline on the third Friday of November for years, victory is far from guaranteed.
Star-Studded Soundtrack Rollout
Beyond the digital storefronts, the game’s release is accompanied by a heavily publicized soundtrack rollout. GAFFA.no reported that Rockstar Games enlisted the French electronic duo Justice to compose original music for the title, alongside collaborations featuring Tame Impala, SZA, and King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard on the single "Flower in a Hurricane."
Competition
While anticipated as a record-breaking entertainment launch, the title faces intense market competition upon arrival. The game encounters tough rivals, including Resident Evil Requiem, Forza Horizon 6, Control Resonant, and Big Walk. In November alone, the release must also contend for attention against World of Warcraft: Forever and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, widely regarded as one of the most heavily demanded remasters in history.