GTA VI Sets Download Records Ahead of November 19 Launch
Grand Theft Auto VI has set new records for internet downloads ahead of its November 19 launch, causing major spikes in broadband traffic.
NEW DELHI, Nov 13: Grand Theft Auto VI has already set new download records as fans anticipate its release on November 19, with pre-loads beginning on November 10. The game’s pre-downloads led to a significant surge in internet traffic, especially for U.K. internet service provider Virgin Media O2 (VMO2), which recorded its highest traffic peak and daily data volume to date.
During the pre-load period, VMO2 noted a 51.6% increase in broadband traffic between midnight and 1 a.m., with total download volumes jumping 73.3% over the same hours compared to the previous week. By the end of that day, the data downloaded surpassed the previous records for a single day. VMO2 remarked that GTA VI had eclipsed earlier traffic records set during major events like Arsenal’s Champions League match and the release of other popular video games.
Jeanie York, the CTO of VMO2, stated, “GTA VI is already proving to be a record-breaking moment for our network,” highlighting how gamers are preparing by taking time off work and enhancing their gaming setups. Nearly half of the players are expected to pre-load the game prior to its official release.
GTA VI will be available exclusively on consoles at launch, with plans for a PC version rumored to be released by early 2027. This exclusivity is likely to drive even more traffic through the gaming networks.
The game has achieved the title of the most pre-ordered game ever on both the Microsoft Store and PlayStation Store, with players encouraged to pre-load to ensure they can access it immediately upon launch. Starting from midnight on November 19, the game will be playable via Xbox Cloud Gaming on Xbox One and Xbox Series consoles, allowing even last-generation console owners to participate.
On Xbox platforms, the game can be streamed using Xbox Cloud Gaming, although players on older consoles will require a stable internet connection for optimal performance. This service starts at 1 a.m. ET on launch day. While Xbox imposes limits on cloud gaming hours, players may still want to upgrade their consoles to avoid potential streaming issues.
On the PlayStation side, the game fully utilizes the capabilities of the PS5, providing enhanced graphics and immersive audio experiences thanks to the DualSense controller and improved load times through the console’s SSD. Players can activate their download codes for physical copies now to start pre-loading as well.