The anticipation for the release of GTA 6 has reached even the Australian government. The Fair Work Ombudsman, the body responsible for advising workers and employers on employment rights in Australia, published a guide explaining how to request unpaid leave to take advantage of the game's premiere.
In an Instagram post, this body used humorous scenarios to clarify which types of absence are guaranteed by Australian legislation and when permission depends on agreement with the employer.
The guide begins with a hypothetical situation: GTA 6 is releasing tomorrow, but the employee has already used all their paid leave. In this case, is it possible to request a day off without pay?
To answer this question, the body provides examples stipulated by the National Employment Standards of Australia, including leave for caring for sick relatives, participation in voluntary emergency events, and fulfilling parental duties.
The explanations are accompanied by images referencing the game. One shows an ultrasound displaying a copy of GTA 6 instead of a baby. The body jokes: 'Although it is under development for some time, the video game is not a child.'
Despite the casual tone, the post clarifies that the desire to play GTA 6 does not grant an automatic right to unpaid leave. Nevertheless, employees who have no available leave can discuss the possibility of absence directly with their employers. In such cases, the law does not set a minimum leave period, and an agreement between the parties is required.
The post also advises interested parties to organize in advance to request days off. The release of GTA 6 is scheduled for November 19, 2026, with versions for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. The release date for PC has not yet been announced.