An economics professor has projected that approximately 1.5 million U.S. workers planning to take time off on November 19 to play Grand Theft Auto 6 could generate a $1 billion economic effect, based on an assumed average annual salary of $70,000 per worker. The projection, made by José García Montalvo, suggests this amount would equal the estimated revenue Take-Two Interactive would earn from the game's launch day sales.

The calculation represents a transfer of spending power rather than a net loss to the broader economy, according to the analysis. This projection follows patterns observed during the 2013 launch of Grand Theft Auto 5, when an IGN poll found 46% of nearly 11,000 respondents intended to take a workday off for what they called "GTA flu." That poll measured expressed intentions rather than actual workplace absenteeism across major U.S. cities.

Some individuals have publicly committed to extended playtime, including streamer Bud Burruss, who announced plans for a five-day vacation around the release. Social media discussions have included references to formalizing playtime arrangements between partners. The U.S. military has also announced limited recreational accommodations at Fort Stewart, Georgia, allowing some personnel time to engage with the game during its launch period.

The projection remains an academic estimation without official validation from economic authorities or the game developer.