A survey of 1,000 full-time U.S. employees who identify as gamers suggests Rockstar Games' upcoming "Grand Theft Auto VI" will have a measurable impact on workplace productivity and the broader economy upon its release. Conducted by GameSquare with a 3% margin of error, the poll found that 42% of respondents believe they will be less productive because of the game, while 10% plan to skip work on launch day and another 30% are considering taking time off. Of those considering time off, 35% said they would call in sick.
The cultural footprint appears massive: 51% ranked the game's release as the biggest cultural moment of the fall, topping major film releases like "Avengers: Doomsday," "Dune: Part Three," and "The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping." Thirty-nine percent said the game makes them less likely to see the new "Hunger Games" film on its opening weekend, which begins the day after "GTA VI" drops, and the survey also predicts fewer fans tuning into NFL games that weekend.
Consumer spending is expected to surge alongside the launch. Eighty-four percent of respondents plan to buy the game, with 26% calling it their top spending priority for the fall. Seventy-seven percent said they may purchase at least one item to enhance the experience, such as a new gaming chair, upgraded screen, or better speakers. In total, players anticipate spending an average of $400 on related items along with the game itself.
The survey also detailed player expectations. Ninety-one percent consider themselves fans of the franchise, with 35% most looking forward to exploring the open world, followed by enhanced graphics at 25% and the characters and story at 22%. The median gamer plans to play roughly 15 hours during the first weekend, while more serious players estimate 20 hours. Eighty percent said an all-nighter is within the realm of possibility, and at 37%, pizza is the leading food choice for a weekend gaming binge.
Sources: 8 News Now
Original reporting: 8 News Now →
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