Lots of people are planning to fake being sick just to play GTA 6 on release day

As Rockstar Games gears up for the release of Grand Theft Auto VI, a growing number of fans are reportedly planning to take “sick leave” just to dive into the game. Dubbed the “GTA flu,” this trend could lead to a spike in absences across the U.S., according to a new fan-led study.

A recent study shared by GTA Boom and highlighted by TweakTown’s Anthony Garreffa reveals an unusual trend that could sweep across workplaces when Grand Theft Auto VI finally hits the market. Based on patterns seen during previous major game launches, the study predicts a surge in conveniently timed “sick days” as gamers plan to immerse themselves in Rockstar’s latest blockbuster.

Matt Gibbs, director of GTA Boom, notes:

“Given the history of significant sick day spikes during major game releases—like with Rockstar’s last big hit, Red Dead Redemption II—it wouldn’t be surprising to see a wave of ‘GTA flu’ when the game launches.”

Employers in high-interest states might want to brace themselves for an influx of sudden sick leave requests, according to the study’s findings.

This isn’t without precedent. When GTA V launched in 2013, a poll conducted by IGN found that nearly 46% of respondents planned to take the day off to play, while 19% admitted they would fake being sick.

Though the sample may be small and gamer-focused, the numbers hint at a broader cultural phenomenon: when a game like GTA drops, productivity across certain industries might take a noticeable hit.