After 13 long years of waiting, the arrival of Grand Theft Auto VI on November 19 is undeniably one of the most anticipated entertainment events of the decade. For millions of dedicated gamers, the biggest challenge is not the game itself, it is figuring out how to get out of work to actually play it.
With employers everywhere on high alert for suspicious sick days and sudden 24-hour stomach bugs, one fast-food chain has cooked up a highly unusual solution to help fans clear their schedules.
KFC has announced they are hosting a very real funeral for a very fake person named “Ann Alibi.” And, in strict accordance with Ann’s final wishes, her memorial service will take place exactly during standard working hours.
The Ultimate Excuse to Skip Work
While a boss might question a sudden cough on the exact day the decade’s biggest video game drops, it is much harder for them to deny an employee time off to attend a funeral.
To pull this off, KFC is transforming one of its locations (the restaurant in Robina, Queensland, located on the Gold Coast), often dubbed the Miami of Australia in a clever nod to the game’s vibrant setting, into a fully operational memorial space. The fast-food giant is not cutting any corners with this farewell.
At 11:00 am on Thursday, November 19, a hearse will deliver Ann’s coffin for a proper send-off. The event will feature everything you would expect at a traditional service: beautiful floral tributes, an official order of service, a book of condolences, and a heartfelt eulogy delivered by a surprise guest.
Mourners who attend in person will be encouraged to dress in their best funeral attire. They can sign the guestbook, take photos to prove their attendance to any skeptical employers, and gather official physical documentation of their whereabouts.
A Fried Chicken Wake
Understanding that not everyone can make the trip to the Gold Coast on a Thursday morning, KFC has ensured that mourners nationwide can still participate. The entire service will be livestreamed on the brand’s Instagram account, allowing fans to pay their respects from the comfort of their own couches.
To replicate the wake experience at home (while safely gripping a game controller) the chain is also offering free delivery across Australia for the entire day through their app on orders over $30.
A Clever Tribute for Gamers
“We appreciate that Australians have responsibilities, but some occasions are simply too important to miss,” a KFC spokesperson shared regarding the event. “And in accordance with Ann’s final wishes, we’ve made sure the funeral takes place during working hours.”
While the character of Ann Alibi is completely fictional, the lengths the brand is going to for this event are entirely genuine. It is a creative way to lean into the cultural frenzy surrounding the game’s release, providing a fun narrative for fans who just want to explore a new virtual world uninterrupted.
Whether you are attending in person or mourning from your living room, Ann Alibi is stepping up to give gamers the backup they need. She always had our backs, and now, it is time to be there for her.
