Technology
Logitech Grants Paid Gaming Days to 7,000 Employees Ahead of GTA VI Launch
Logitech, a Swiss‑American computer‑peripheral maker, announced that all 7,000 employees—including interns, contractors and permanent staff—will receive paid leave to play video games in advance of the release of Grand Theft Auto VI next week. The company called the program “Logi Game Day” and said in a statement to Fortune that it is time to retire the stereotype that gaming is a waste of time. Employees may use the leave on any day until next year to play a game of their choice.
Logitech is also hosting a gaming livestream at its San Jose headquarters on November 19, the day GTA VI launches. The event will bring employees together for gaming activities and friendly competition, and chief people officer Elaine Laird is expected to participate. Laird said she plans to report to the office on the launch day but is ready for fun and competition.
The company cited its Ctrl Tomorrow study, which found that 81 % of gamers surveyed believe gaming builds confidence in real‑world situations, reduces anxiety and improves everyday performance. “Play is not the opposite of work,” Laird said in an official statement.
Fortune also reported that chief financial officer Matteo Anversa plans to spend his gaming day playing Forza on a racing simulator.
Logitech’s initiative comes amid expectations that the GTA VI release could increase employee absences. BambooHR workplace data shows leave requests for November 19 are nearly 13 % higher than on comparable dates in previous years, with 18 % of salaried employees planning to take the day off for the launch. Half of the gamers planning leave for an upcoming game release said they would prefer calling in sick rather than formally scheduling time off.
A Logitech spokesperson told Fortune that if employees choose to spend their Gaming Time Off exploring Vice City on launch day, there would be no complaints from the company.
Frequently asked questions
What is Logi Game Day?
Logi Game Day is a program announced by Logitech that gives all 7,000 employees paid leave to play video games before the release of Grand Theft Auto VI.
When and where is Logitech’s gaming livestream?
Logitech is hosting a gaming livestream at its San Jose headquarters on November 19, the day GTA VI launches.