Grand Theft Auto 6 release could spike UK broadband use, Openreach says it'll monitor impact

GG Brief Editorial Desk · AI-assisted, source attributed

Openreach, the UK's largest broadband operator, told Eurogamer it has been monitoring the upcoming Grand Theft Auto 6 launch and will watch for a potential new download record when the game ships. Eurogamer reported that GTA 6 has been breaking pre-order records on PlayStation and Xbox stores and that major game releases previously register measurable national broadband use. The article noted Ofcom has previously negotiated with game publishers to avoid launch dates coinciding with major cultural events to reduce simultaneous network demand. Eurogamer framed the issue as whether regional infrastructure will be able to bear a collective usage spike when GTA 6 launches next week.

• What happened: Openreach told Eurogamer it has had Grand Theft Auto 6 "on our radar for a long time" and said "we'll be watching for a new download record," per Eurogamer.
• Why it matters: Eurogamer reported that GTA 6 is breaking pre-order records on PlayStation and Xbox stores and that major game releases can create national broadband usage spikes, which could stress regional infrastructure.
• Context: Eurogamer noted that UK communications regulator Ofcom has previously negotiated launch timing with game publishers to try to avoid simultaneous spikes from major cultural events; the piece also referenced a 2021 Eurogamer investigation showing major game downloads register nationally for broadband use.
• What next: Eurogamer reported that Openreach will monitor network load around GTA 6's launch next week; no specific technical measures, impact estimates, or confirmed outages were reported.