GameSquare Reveals Impact of Grand Theft Auto VI on Culture and Consumers

FRISCO, Texas, October 20, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- GameSquare Holdings, Inc., a next-generation media, entertainment, and technology company, has unveiled the results of a survey that explores the potential impact of the highly anticipated video game "Grand Theft Auto VI" (GTA VI) on various sectors. The survey, which involved a scientific representative sample of 1,000 full-time US employees who identified as gamers, highlights the significant influence the game is expected to have on the workplace, broader cultural landscape, and consumer spending.

According to the findings, 42% of the surveyed employees believe they may be less productive due to the game's arrival. Furthermore, 10% plan to skip work on launch day, while another 30% of US employees are considering taking time off. Of those who were considering taking time off, 36% said they would call in "sick."

The survey also revealed that 51% rank the game's release as the biggest cultural moment of the Fall, surpassing other major events such as Marvel's Avengers: Doomsday, Dune: Part 3, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, and the remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Additionally, 39% of the surveyed gamers said the game makes them less likely to go see the new Hunger Games film on its opening weekend, which begins the day after GTA VI drops.

In terms of its impact on sports, 70% of those surveyed said they may skip watching sports they normally follow to make more room for gaming. Drilling down further, 42% said they will specifically be less likely to watch NFL games the first weekend the game is out.

The survey also delves into the economic implications of GTA VI. In terms of consumer spending, 84% of the surveyed gamers said they plan to buy the game, with 26% ranking it as their top spending priority this Fall. 77% also said they may purchase at least one item to enhance the gaming experience, such as a new gaming chair (27%), an upgraded screen/display/TV (27%), or better speakers/headphones (24%) among the most likely purchases. In total, players have said they can see themselves spending on average $400 on related items along with the game itself.

The research found that 91% of gamers consider themselves fans of the GTA franchise, with 35% of gamers saying the chance to explore the new open world inside the game was what they were looking forward to the most. Enhanced graphics followed at 25%, and then the characters/story itself rounded out the top three at 22%. The survey also found that the median gamer has said they were planning to play around 15 hours during the first weekend, while more serious gamers may clock in higher at 20 hours. 80% overall said that it is within the realm of possibility that they could see themselves pulling an all-nighter and if they did, pizza, at 37%, is the leading food or drink choice for a weekend gaming binge.

The findings of this survey highlight the significant cultural and economic impact that "Grand Theft Auto VI" is expected to have. As the game approaches its launch, it is clear that it will not only be a game but also a cultural event that will influence various aspects of society.