The takeaway: Ahead of next week's GTA 6 launch, Logitech has announced a novel initiative called Logi Game Day, giving all of its employees one paid day off to play video games. While the move is unusual for a tech company that isn't a game developer or publisher, game studios and publishers are known to host company-wide launch parties and gaming sessions as part of major launch-day events.
Logitech explained that the program applies to all 7,000 full-time employees and interns globally, who can take the time off to play any video game of their choice, not just GTA 6. The company also clarified that the day can be used anytime between now and November 2027, and doesn't have to coincide with the launch of GTA 6.
In a statement, Logitech CEO Hanneke Faber said the Logi Game Day initiative is intended to challenge the perception that gaming is unproductive. "It's time to retire the stereotype that gaming is a waste of time," she said, adding that as a company that designs both enterprise and gaming products, Logitech believes that "engagement in one sphere supports performance in the other."
The initiative follows Logitech's Ctrl Tomorrow study, in which 81% of gamers agreed that "gaming builds real-world confidence, reduces anxiety, and correlates with stronger day-to-day work performance."
A separate Logitech study of enterprise IT decision-makers (ITDMs) found that 98.8% of respondents believe gaming skills translate directly to workplace capabilities, such as problem-solving and performing under pressure.
Faber said she plans to join the Logi Game Day festivities on November 19, when the company will host a gaming event at its San Jose office, with workspaces converted into gaming lounges to celebrate the much-awaited launch of GTA 6. The event will also be streamed online for fans.
The data cited by Logitech contrasts with some estimates suggesting the US economy could lose up to $1 billion in productivity on November 19 as 1.5 million workers call in sick to play GTA 6. However, the figures have been disputed by Victor Matheson, an economist at the College of the Holy Cross, who argues that any short-term loss will be made up for in the long term.
GTA VI will launch on November 19, 2026 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles, with a PC version rumored to arrive sometime next year.
The game is available for pre-order starting at $80 for the standard edition and $100 for the "ultimate" edition. Rockstar is also selling a whopping $400 Collector's Edition, but that box is merchandise only and doesn't include the game.