Millions of Brits set to pull a sickie for Grand Theft Auto VI release

It's been described as the "gaming event of the decade" - but the release of Grand Theft Auto VI may not be quite as exciting for Britain's bosses.

Workplaces are bracing for a mass exodus on November 19 - the day GTA VI comes out, with around three million considering pulling a sickie to play.

Research from consumer technology brand Hisense found that one in five Brits (21%) are set to return to the streets of Vice City this month, with a further 28% considering playing it soon.

The most dedicated gamers are already clearing their diaries, with 22% planning to pull an all-nighter and 16% set to cancel all other plans.

Gamers are also set to rack up an average of 46 hours playing GTA VI before Christmas, rising to 100 hours for a hardcore 9%.

Grand Theft Auto, one of the world's best-known video game franchises, is an action-adventure series in which players take on the roles of criminals - driving cars, completing missions and carrying out heists.

It's been 13 years since the last GTA instalment, and 24 years since players got to roam the streets of Vice City in GTA: Vice City.

The two-decade gap has allowed huge graphical and technological advancements, which is one of the main reasons the release is generating such excitement.

Rob Andrews, head of strategy & GTM - TV at Hisense UK, said, "GTA VI is one of the most anticipated entertainment launches in years, and this research illustrates the impact it's set to have.

"When it comes to gaming especially, the screen you play on has never mattered more. Our RGB MiniLED technology makes sure that every gamer, fan and viewer has the best possible at-home experience, whether that's the stunning graphics and vibrant colours of Vice City or streaming the latest blockbuster in vivid detail and incredible quality.

"RGB MiniLED technology allows us to offer incredible colour, peak brightness, impressive detail and with up to 50% less harmful blue light, gamers can hit the streets of Leonida long into the night."

For more information, visit https://uk.hisense.com/rgb-miniled