GTA fever set to strike workplaces

If the hype which currently exists in the gaming community is correct, 19 November 2026 will represent the single biggest collective sick day in the history of workplaces.  In the USA alone, it is projected that 1.5 million American workers will call in sick from “GTA fever”, costing the economy up to $1 billion in lost productivity.  But before you go thinking that GTA fever is a new disease that requires you to be pressured into taking an experimental drug, let me complete the backstory for those who have no clue what I am referring to.

The acronym “GTA” refers to a video game by the name of Grand Theft Auto.  The upcoming release in the Grand Theft Auto series is simply called “Grand Theft Auto VI” or “GTA 6” for short.  In Australia, the game will be rated R18+, a rating reserved for games which feature high-impact violence, strong sex scenes and drug use (of which all will reportedly be in abundance in GTA 6).  Those in the gaming community under the age of 18 represent approximately 20% of the global gaming audience (roughly 618 million people) and it is anticipated that, despite the age restriction, 70% of teenagers who own a gaming console will find a way to purchase GTA 6. 

Such is the anticipation concerning the release of GTA 6 that Australia’s workplace watchdog, the Fair Work Ombudsman, recently released key reminders to the Australian public on their obligations to their employers with respect to sick leave.  In a somewhat lighthearted social media post on 4 November 2026, the regulator posted this message: "Hey everyone, we just wanna make something clear.  If you need to take sick leave on or around November 19 (or any other day!) your employer can ask for evidence that shows you weren't able to work because of an illness or injury. Use your sick leave responsibly!”  The comments from committed gamers were, not surprisingly, dismissive and many accused the government of ruining everyone’s fun.  But one US company decided it was all too difficult to keep the doors open on the scheduled release day and has decided to observe a “temporary company-wide operational pause” citing “multiple employee scheduling conflicts” from this “unprecedented cultural event”.    

For the record, I will not be numbered amongst those who choose to dedicate 19 November to GTA 6.  Although it is necessary for each believer to establish their own conviction on the matter, I believe I have shared enough to motivate every Christian to exercise the necessary biblical discernment before willingly entering a fantasy world specifically designed to tempt the gamer to exercise criminality in the areas of violence, explicit sexual acts and illicit drug use.  For those (primarily in the unsaved category) who hold no such moral and spiritual objections, their desire to enter a world in which lawlessness is encouraged reminds me of the closing words of the book of Judges: everyone did what was right in his own eyes.  In fact, that is precisely why some gamers are attracted to the game: it appeals to their desire to act in a lawless manner without real-world consequences.    

Leaving aside the moral and spiritual implications, what stands out to me is that if governments and business owners are this concerned about productivity losses from a video game release, they are going to be caught completely off guard by an event which is coming an at unknown hour—the rapture of the church.  If the anticipated absence of 1.5 million Americans is going to cost the US economy $1 billion in productivity losses, we can only imagine what will occur after tens of millions more don’t turn up for work—permanently!  Banks, businesses and economies will collapse almost immediately, leaving people desperate and vulnerable. 

Notwithstanding the financial losses, after the rapture life will appear to mirror the fantasy world of GTA 6 as violence spirals out of control and crime of every description takes place.  Police, who will no doubt also be dealing with the aftermath of raptured officers, will be unable to cope with the lawlessness and destruction that immediately follows the rapture.  Forget GTA 6 being categorised as an “unprecedented cultural event”, the rapture will eclipse it many times over.  But unlike the release of the video game, nobody knows the day or hour and consequently, the world will not be ready for it.

In closing, may I ask what you are most looking forward to?  While the gaming world focuses its attention on 19 November 2026, are you looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13)?  In that passage, the words “looking for” are a single Greek word: prosdechomai.  This word should characterise the mindset of every single born-again believer, for it refers to expectant waiting where a person is ready and willing to receive all that is hoped for.  Does this describe you?  Are you eagerly waiting for the moment when Jesus will rapture us home?  I hope so!    

There will be millions of people worldwide who, on 19 November, will attach their joy to a fantasy world lacking any hope.  In contrast, by God’s grace and the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, may we continue to be people who express a living hope and indescribable joy in the soon return of Jesus.