'It’s time to retire the stereotype that gaming is a waste of time': Logitech is giving workers the day off to play video games — just as GTA VI is set to launch

Logitech, a company known for designing products for both work and play, is introducing a new initiative called "Logi Game Day." This initiative offers employees a day off during which they can play video games, just days before the highly anticipated release of GTA VI on November 19, 2026.

This new policy is not merely a fun perk, but a strategic move to recognize the cognitive and professional benefits of gaming, according to Hanneke Faber, Logitech's CEO. Faber believes that engagement in gaming can translate to stronger work performance, reducing anxiety and building real-world confidence.

This notion is supported by research. Logitech's own Ctrl Tomorrow study found that 81% of gamers believe gaming enhances real-world confidence, reduces anxiety, and improves day-to-day work performance. Similarly, a study of enterprise ITDM respondents found that 98.8% of them reported gaming skills directly translate to workplace capabilities, including strategic thinking, complex problem-solving, and the ability to perform under pressure.

Logitech's Chief People Officer, Elaine Laird, supports this idea, stating that "Play is not the opposite of work. When people have dedicated time to log off, decompress and immerse themselves in play, they return with clearer focus, renewed energy and fresh approaches to complex challenges."

However, the timing of this initiative coincides with the release of GTA VI, one of the most anticipated video game events in recent history. While this is a working day for many, the release of GTA VI could potentially lead to a loss of productivity, with one report estimating a potential $1 billion loss in US productivity alone, as 1.5 million workers might skip work.

To celebrate this occasion, Logitech will host a streaming event at its Americas headquarters, showcasing the fun and benefits of the new "Logi Game Day" initiative.