Economist projects $1 billion US output loss from GTA 6 launch day
José García Montalvo estimates about 1.5 million Americans will take November 19 off, cutting short-term productivity by roughly 2%.
Economist José García Montalvo projects that the launch of Grand Theft Auto 6 on November 19 could cost the US economy about $1 billion in output, as roughly 1.5 million Americans take the day off work, according to International Business Times.
Montalvo, who is based in Barcelona, estimates those absent will be mostly men aged 18 to 30 and largely working in the technology sector. He puts the short-term productivity decrease at about 2%, based on an average yearly output of about $70,000 per US worker.
International Business Times cautions that the figure is an academic projection rather than an official forecast.
The effect is already visible at street level. California auto parts retailer Burger Motorsports has told customers to expect shipping and support delays around the release date because staff have requested time off.
Demand for the game is high ahead of launch: more than 6 million copies have already been preordered, according to Sensor Tower via GamesIndustry.biz.
Long wait behind the launch
Grand Theft Auto 6 has been delayed twice after more than a decade of waiting, and its launch trailer reaffirmed the November 19, 2026 release date. Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick estimated on a recent earnings call that the company would take in more than $1 billion in operating cash flow this fiscal year.
Quick answers
When does Grand Theft Auto 6 launch?
Grand Theft Auto 6 is set for release on November 19, 2026.
How big is the projected economic impact of the GTA 6 launch?
Economist José García Montalvo projects about $1 billion in lost US output, based on roughly 1.5 million people taking the day off.
How many copies of GTA 6 have been preordered?
More than 6 million copies have already been preordered, according to Sensor Tower via GamesIndustry.biz.