With Grand Theft Auto 6 officially launching on November 19, 2026 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, gamers who have become parents since the last release are making unusual plans for launch day. One mother, Bex, has proposed a 24-hour childcare arrangement that has sparked a heated debate online.
GTA 6 follows Grand Theft Auto V, which has sold over 230 million copies worldwide and generated more than $8 billion, making it one of the most profitable entertainment products ever created. The upcoming game is projected to be the most expensive ever made, with rumoured development costs between $1 billion and $2 billion. When Rockstar Games released the first trailer in December 2023, it amassed nearly 500 million views within 24 hours.
Mother's 24-hour plan for release day
Bex shared her strategy on TikTok, saying: "Question for GTA parents: What are we doing about childcare? Because I have booked my daughter in for a 24-hour sleepover starting at 12 o'clock, midday on the day it comes out."
She explained: "Because my logic was that we could start downloading it on the PS5 in the morning. It'll probably take a few hours to download. By the time it's up and running, it'll probably be nearly 12, I'll drop my daughter off, so that way I'm not wasting any time."
Mixed reactions from parents
The post drew numerous comments from parents in similar situations, with some supporting the idea. One person joked: "Barricading the door and letting the kids fend for themselves. They'll survive on cereal and vibes, GTA 6 requires my full attention."
Another said: "Our son is due on the 9th November so nothing. We're just going to take turns playing GTA 6, looking after baby and sleeping, that's our plan. Order tonnes of food and snacks too."
A third commenter added: "My husband's booked a week off work and I am main port of call for that week, which is fine lol as he left me for 2 weeks when paralives dropped in May."
However, others criticised Bex's approach. One person said: "Maybe try being a parent and prioritising your children over a game and accept you have frown up responsibilities now."
Another wrote: "As a 42-year-old gamer who's been playing video games most of my life... I wouldn't dare leave my kids for 24 hours just to play a video game... I'm just a decent parent like that. I'll game when they're in bed."
