A US Army battalion at Fort Stewart, Georgia, is offering soldiers temporary early access to Grand Theft Auto VI as an incentive to reenlist, in an unusual attempt to tie a routine career decision to one of the year's most anticipated video game releases. The scheme, run by the 9th Brigade Engineer Battalion, reflects the military's ongoing efforts to use gaming culture to boost recruitment and retention, following its 2019 launch of a dedicated esports team.

Soldiers who sign a reenlistment contract between 1 August and 14 November are eligible for a four-day pass to play GTA VI when it launches, in exchange for committing to serve for between two and six more years. So far 20 soldiers have taken up the offer, according to a statement from Lt Col Angel Tomko, a spokesperson for the 3rd Infantry Division. The initiative is currently limited to the single battalion but could be widened if successful. Grand Theft Auto VI is due for digital-only release on 19 November and is already available for pre-order on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.