Can UK broadband handle the GTA 6 download? Openreach and Ofcom answer

Yes, according to the people who run it. Openreach, which runs the UK’s largest broadband network, told Eurogamer its network and teams are ready for GTA 6, and Ofcom said broadband networks should be well placed to handle the download. The simplest way to avoid any launch night slowdown is still to preload now, so the game is already on your console when it unlocks on November 19.

What Openreach said

Trevor Linney, Openreach’s director for network technology, told Eurogamer that GTA 6 has been on the company’s radar for a long time. He said big releases and updates for games such as Fortnite and Call of Duty already push huge amounts of data across the network, that it will be interesting to see how much GTA 6 adds, and that Openreach will be watching to see whether it sets a new download record.

Eurogamer notes that big game releases show up in national broadband use, and that Ofcom works with games companies to avoid major launches landing on the same day as big events such as major sports fixtures.

What Ofcom said

An Ofcom spokesperson told Eurogamer that networks should cope with the download. The regulator pointed players to its Broadband Code of Practice:

• Providers must give customers clear, realistic information about speeds and guarantee a minimum speed.
• If you don’t get that minimum speed, you may be able to leave your contract without a penalty.

Ofcom’s advice was to test your speed now, before launch week, rather than finding out on the night.

How big the download is

Confirmed Rockstar says GTA 6 needs up to 212 GB, Kotaku reported. The preload itself is 209.913 GB on PS5 and 209.86 GB on Xbox Series X|S in most regions, also per Kotaku. Japan’s is slightly smaller, as our post on regional sizes explains.

Preloading has been open since November 10, and Eurogamer reports that Sony and Microsoft have both urged players to download ahead of time because of very high demand. Our preload guide has the steps for both consoles.

How long it takes at different speeds

Analysis Our own maths for the roughly 210 GB preload, assuming the connection holds that speed the whole time:

Analysis Real downloads usually run slower than the headline speed, especially over Wi-Fi and in the evening when many people are online. Console downloads also depend on PlayStation’s and Xbox’s own servers, not just your line. If you have a slower connection, start the preload today and leave the console downloading overnight. A wired connection usually helps.

If your speed is well under what your contract promises, Ofcom’s code is the route to take it up with your provider. If the download stops with an error instead, our PS5 download error codes guide explains what each one means.

Common questions

Will the internet slow down on GTA 6 launch night?

Analysis Openreach and Ofcom both expect the networks to cope. Anyone downloading on the night competes with everyone else doing the same, which is why preloading before November 19 is the safer choice.