What is GTA PTO and GTA Flu? GTA 6 release triggers a wave of absence. Here's all about Logitech Logi Game Day

The release of Grand Theft Auto VI has popularized a few new terms like GTA PTO and GTA Flu as several employees around the world look to take sometime off on November 19, 2026 to play the new game to their heart's content. GTA 6 will be released globally on November 19, 2026. The game has been developed and published by Rockstar Games. Many people have already planned to take leave or longer breaks at work on the launch date of the game which falls on a Thursday. Workforce data is also showing an increase in absence requests, and some companies are also acknowledging the gaming trend.

What is GTA PTO and GTA Flu?

GTA PTO is taking paid time off (PTO), annual leave or a planned day off to play Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6) when it launches on November 19, 2026. GTA flu is a slang term used to describe employees who are taking sick leave to stay at home and play. This is becoming a growing trend as more employees are planning their work schedules around the release of GTA 6. Some companies are seeing an increase in leave requests and some employers are implementing gaming days for their employees.


BambooHR data showed that there was a 13% increase in PTO requests for November 19 compared to similar dates in 2024 or 2025. They also said that nearly 1 in 5 employees are planning to take time off.

A survey of 1,000 full time working adults in the US who play video games regularly showed:

• 39% planned to request time off in advance.
• 36% planned to take time off sick.
• 32% planned to work from home.

A survey from PCMag showed that 8% of adult gamers in the US were planning to take time off or adjust their work/school schedule. 13% of Gen Z were also planning to do this.

Logitech Logi Game Day

Logitech has announced that it will offer employees a Logi Game Day. They will give more than 7,000 employees one day of paid time off each year to play any video game they want like GTA 6.

The company announced on Tuesday that employees will have the flexibility to take their time off whenever they want. They will also be holding a live stream event at their Americas HQ in San Jose on November 19.

What others are doing?

Palworld studio, Pocketpair, have given employees 5 days off. Raptor PR in the UK have given their team of 9 an extra gaming day. The 9th Brigade Engineer Battalion in Georgia, US Army have gone viral after offering re-enlistees a 4 day pass to play games.