Published October 21, 2026 11:44 AM EDT

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MAKURAHI MESSE, CHIBA, JAPAN - 2026/09/18: Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6) exhibition booth at Tokyo Game Show 2026. Tokyo Game Show 2026 marked its 30th year and took place September 1720 at Makuhari Messe after the planned final day was canceled for wea

When "Grand Theft Auto 6" drops next month, millions of Americans are planning a trip to Vice City that reports claim could cost the US economy a staggering $1 billion in lost productivity in just one day.

$1 billion loss?

By the numbers:

Approximately 1.5 million American workers are expected to skip work on Thursday, November 19, to play the highly anticipated game, according to the International Business Times.

The report claims that an economist estimates the sudden drain of 1.5 million workers would trim the national output by roughly 2%.…