A United States Army battalion is offering soldiers four days of leave to play Grand Theft Auto 6 as a re-enlistment incentive, a move that has sparked widespread attention and debate. The offer, reportedly posted at the 9th Brigade Engineer Battalion at Fort Stewart, Georgia, promises four days off for any soldier who signs a re-enlistment contract before November 14, coinciding with the game's launch. Kotaku has corroborated key details of the memo, including the commander's name and communication numbers, lending credibility to the claim.
Details of the Incentive Program
The memo, shared on the Instagram account US Army WTF Moments, is signed by Lt. Col. Ryan D. Hodgson and describes the initiative as an 'incentive programme to promote retention, boost morale, and reward the continued dedication of the soldiers within the 9th Brigade Engineer Battalion.' While some have questioned the memo's authenticity due to the use of the Department of Defense logo instead of the newly rebranded Department of War, others note that the old name is still in use on some government websites. One Redditor humorously suggested that the government's efficiency in updating letterheads is unlikely.
This is not the first time the military has used unusual incentives to encourage re-enlistment. In a Reddit thread, examples include extended leave, tax benefits, and merchandise like ballpoint pens. One Redditor recalled that during the launch of GTA 4 in 2008, nearly their entire regiment got the day off to purchase the game. Similar practices have been seen in Japan, where game developers have temporarily closed offices to allow employees to play major releases, and the urban legend of Dragon Quest prompting school absences, though only the truancy part is true.
GTA 6's Massive Anticipation
The hype around GTA 6 is unprecedented, with pre-order figures described as 'unprecedented and astonishing.' The game is estimated to generate as much as $5.2 billion (about £3.8 billion) in its first week, roughly half of what GTA 5 has earned over 13 years. This excitement has led to various promotional stunts, including a Netflix exclusive preview airing next week and a Norwegian shop offering a free copy to babies born on release day. Devolver Digital is even releasing a new game on the same day, despite GTA 6's delays.
Potential Impact on Businesses and Morale
Given the scale of anticipation, it's plausible that some businesses may be unavailable in the days following launch, as employees take time off to play. The army's incentive is seen as a morale booster, aligning with the game's release to reward soldiers' dedication. As the launch date approaches, more such creative incentives may emerge, reflecting the cultural significance of GTA 6.
