Survey: 12.5 Million US Gamers Plan to Take Leave for GTA 6 Launch

A new survey reveals just how far gamers are willing to go for the launch of Grand Theft Auto VI. According to data from PCMag, roughly 12.5 million adults in the United States plan to take paid time off or rearrange their work and school commitments to play the game on November 19, 2026.

Generational and Gender Trends

The urge to step away from daily responsibilities is especially strong among younger players. While 8% of all respondents said they would adjust their schedules, that figure leaps to 13% when looking only at Gen Z participants. Male gamers are slightly more likely to make room for the release (9% versus 7% for females), but the split is relatively balanced.

Console Upgrades and Pre-Orders Surge

The survey also indicates that over half of US adult gamers are upgrading their consoles this season, with GTA 6 cited as a clear priority. The game has already become the most pre-ordered title in history, reinforcing the massive anticipation. For many older players, returning to Vice City is a nostalgic journey, while 44% of all gamers named stress relief and relaxation as their primary reason for playing video games during the holiday period.

The findings underscore the cultural weight of Rockstar's next blockbuster. With a 13-year gap since the last mainline entry, even those who missed earlier installments are eager to dive in. The generational pull suggests that GTA 6 will serve as an entry point for many Gen Z and Gen Alpha players.

Are you planning to take time off or clear your schedule for GTA 6's launch? Share your plans in the comments below.