Amid the countless PTO requests and conspicuously-timed doctor appointment notices targeting November 19, one game studio's employees have been absolved of the need to provide themselves an alibi on Grand Theft Auto 6's launch day. Pocketpair announced on X today that all of its employees "have been granted special leave to attend to an urgent five-day business trip in Vice City when GTA 6 launches."
"On November 19, millions of gamers around the world will find themselves sitting at school or work, gazing longingly out the window, knowing that a new era of gaming is about to begin," Pocketpair wrote in a memo announcing the company holiday. "At Pocketpair, we believe such a historic occasion deserves our full attention."
All Pocketpair employees have been granted special leave to attend to an urgent five-day business trip in Vice City when GTA6 launches. Please see the attached notice for details. https://t.co/qJjJ7IvhhYNovember 12, 2026
From November 19 to November 23, "all employees who intend to play Grand Theft Auto 6" at Pocketpair will be "excused from their regular duties and are instead encouraged to undertake a business trip to Vice City." Technically, since that time spans a weekend, it's only really granting three days of holiday time. But, you know, who's counting?
The studio also made sure to note that work is proceeding on updates for Palworld and Craftopia, which are "expected to be carried out as scheduled," presumably in an effort to preempt anyone who might be reaching for their torches and pitchforks.
Pocketpair's not the only company providing those on its payroll with some well-timed time off. Earlier this week, Logitech announced Logi Game Day, offering its 7,000 employees a day off to "formally" recognize "the cognitive and professional benefits of gaming"—which the company has chosen to acknowledge on November 19, specifically.
Robin Piispanen, general manager of the Logitech G gaming brand, did say employees are free to play whatever game they want, though. Corporate benevolence knows no bounds.
Outside of the immediate gaming industry ecosystem, California-based automotive performance parts manufacturer Burger Motorsports announced on its Instagram that it will be "observing a temporary company-wide operational pause" on GTA 6's launch day, after determining that "normal business operations may be impacted." Likewise, Canadian truck manufacturer Edison Motors opted to grant its employees a four-day weekend beginning on November 19.
We wish all of those enjoying time off next week—whether employer-provided or otherwise—some pleasant hours of gaming. Meanwhile, we'll be here, covering a game we still don't know when to expect on PC. It's fine. We're fine with it. Nobody's jealous.
