PC General: UK employers braced for unprecedented outbreak of “GTA flu”

Experts predict widespread absence as eagerly awaited game debuts on Tuesday 29th April

Experts are warning UK employers that Tuesday 29th April will see a never-before seen wave of absenteeism, with thousands of gamers faking illness to play a highly-anticipated video game.

Grand Theft Auto IV (GTA IV) is the first new game in the critically acclaimed series for almost four years, and goes on sale across the country at midnight on Tuesday 29th April. Gaming commentators believe that moving the on-sale date from a traditional Friday release, and the allure of being the first to play Grand Theft Auto IV, will see the country erupt in a widespread outbreak of “GTA flu.”

GTA flu is likely to be a twenty-hour illness, with those calling in sick joining a massive legion of gamers who have already booked a legitimate day off to enjoy the game. Widely predicted to sell 6.5m copies internationally in its first week, GTA IV will be a record-breaker, outstripping sales of music and film, further propelling the games industry to the forefront of entertainment.

George Walter, Editor of GamesRadar.com, said:

“As far as gamers are concerned the release of GTA IV is the biggest event of all-time. To put it in perspective, this is like the launch of a new Star Wars movie, or England playing in the World Cup Final – there’s nothing as huge or important. Gamers have been waiting for a new GTA for four years and I can completely understand why they are prepared to take time off or pull a sicky in order to get stuck in as soon as they can. Nobody wants to miss out.”

James Binns is Publishing Director of games magazine, Edge:

“Having worked in the games industry for 15 years, I’ve never witnessed anything like the hysteria building around GTA IV. This game series has become culturally significant and a new chapter is a major global event, as important as a new Harry Potter novel. Gamers want to be the first to experience GTA IV and don’t want anything to spoil their enjoyment. Businesses need to be prepared for the array of excuses and 24-hour ailments that will hit their workforce as GTA flu grips the UK.”

At eBay Advisor, we believe that people rushing to get a bargain on eBay will follow a similar pattern; whether it's GTA 4, the new Harry Potter movie or simply a must-have bargain.