GTA VI could cause $1 billion in economic damage - expert assesses consequences of game release

Not everyone will be locking in profits next month.

The release of Grand Theft Auto VI is approaching, which will obviously be a massive event. Various experts continue to discuss the potential impact of the game's launch on the economy, and against this backdrop, many have once again turned their attention to the calculations of an economics professor from a university in Barcelona.

Jose García Montalvo shared his vision. This is not an official forecast, but rather an “academic projection.” The logic of his reasoning is simple: people will need some time to play GTA VI.

It is already known that some companies have not only pre-approved leave for individual employees, but are generally going to suspend operations for the launch day or even a slightly longer period. The professor proceeds from the assumption that about 1.5 million Americans will not be working during the release of GTA VI.

For his calculations, the professor used the average annual volume of goods and services per average American worker (whose income was estimated at $70,000). As a result, the short-term decrease in productivity will be approximately 2%.

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Image source: Rockstar Games

Most of the absent workers during the GTA VI release are men aged 18-30. It is assumed that the technology sector will be most affected. Even if an employee comes to work, the new Rockstar game can also affect them — late-night gaming sessions do not go unnoticed, and labor efficiency will decrease. In addition, some may be distracted by streams or discussing the game with colleagues. The potential damage to the US economy is estimated at one billion dollars.

Grand Theft Auto VI is scheduled for release on November 19, 2026, on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S consoles.