GTA6 hits Australia first, but don't fake sick leave to play it
Grand Theft Auto VI launches in Australia and New Zealand on 19 November before the rest of the world. Taking sick leave to play it risks disciplinary action.
Grand Theft Auto VI hits Australian and New Zealand players on 19 November. This is before the rest of the world, including the United States.
The game has already sold about US$600 million in pre-sales. It is forecast to set new record sales worldwide.
Social media is full of people planning not to come to work on 20 November to play it. Employees who want time off should book annual leave well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Sick leave is only for genuine illness or injury. Claiming you are sick to play a game is misconduct.
This might lead to disciplinary action or dismissal. Unpaid leave is possible only in limited situations, like jury duty.
It does not cover video game releases. In New Zealand, similar rules apply.
Annual leave can be used for any reason with your employer's approval. But taking a fake sick day risks disciplinary action.
- US$600 million
- Pre-sales revenue
- 19 November
- Release date for Australia and New
- 20 November
- Work absence date expected
- At least 20
- US Army soldiers who re-enlisted
Why it mattersMillions of workers will want time off for this blockbuster release. Knowing the right way to do it protects your job. It also keeps you honest with your employer.
AustraliaAustralian and New Zealand workers can legally take annual leave for the release if they book it early, but must follow proper leave procedures rather than faking illness.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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