Grand Theft Auto VI could cost Australia $70m in lost productivity
Grand Theft Auto VI releases November 19, and experts warn it could cost Australia around $70 million in lost work productivity.
Grand Theft Auto VI launches November 19 after a 13-year wait since the last game in the series. A PR expert warns the release day alone could cost the Australian economy at least $70 million in lost output.
If one in 100 of Australia's around 14 million workers calls in sick, that is roughly 140,000 lost days at about $500 of output per day. The game file is massive at 210 gigabytes, taking up a quarter of a PlayStation 5's base storage.
The real concern for employers may be workers showing up distracted rather than absent. The Fair Work Ombudsman says workers can request unpaid leave for gaming if they reach an agreement with their employer.
- 70 million dollars
- Estimated productivity loss
- Around 14 million workers
- Australian workforce estimate
- 140,000
- Projected sick days
- 500 dollars
- Output per day
Why it mattersThe release demonstrates how major cultural moments disrupt workplaces and raises questions about when employers should accommodate staff desires.
AustraliaAustralian businesses should expect potential staffing disruptions November 18 to 20 as employees seek time off, and workers now have Fair Work guidance on requesting leave.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 h ago
