HR specialists Brighthr have examined absence data from more than 1.2 million employees across 70,000 UK businesses. They found that on November 19, £3.14million worth of annual leave has been booked, a 7.9 per cent increase on the same date in 2025. Beyond that, workers have booked an estimated 83,000 days off to play . This will cost UK employers up to £12.4million.

“Some bosses might roll their eyes at time off to game, but they shouldn’t view it as time wasted,” said Brighthr CEO Alan Price. “Taking gaming time off is every bit as valid as booking annual leave for a football match, a concert or a hen do. Ultimately, what employees choose to do with their annual leave is up to them. And some of the requests show employees feel comfortable being refreshingly honest about why they want the time off.”

One of the people who’s set aside time to play as soon as possible is actor, model and musician Cara Delavigne. “I love . I always will. I’ve booked out two weeks after the game comes out and I can’t wait. It’s going to be incredible, the Non-Stop-Pop DJ told .

Cara Delevigne shares her excitement for GTA VI with Pop Crave. pic.twitter.com/NmsH9fzw5k

— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) November 7, 2026

Last month it was reported that 1.5million Americans are expected to pull a sickie on November 19 to play costing companies $1billion. Earlier this year Strauss Zelnick, boss of publishers Take Two, said he believes people will skip work to play the game: “[I] think a lot of people will be calling in sick on November 19.”

Coming thirteen years after the release of Grand Theft Auto 5, the new game is predicted to be the most expensive video game ever made and, according to reports, has already sold more than 4million copies via pre-order. However Rockstar has suggested that it won’t take as long for their next game.