Will GTA 6 break the internet? UK broadband operator braces for impact, saying “GTA 6 has been on our radar for a long time”
eurogamer.net Nov 13, 2026

Will GTA 6 break the internet? UK broadband operator braces for impact, saying “GTA 6 has been on our radar for a long time”

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Grand Theft Auto VI has shattered pre‑order records on both PlayStation and Xbox stores and is set to launch on 19 November. Anticipating an unprecedented surge in data traffic, UK broadband operator Openreach has been monitoring the release for months, citing past spikes from titles such as Fortnite and Call of Duty. Openreach’s network‑technology director Trevor Linney said the company expects GTA VI to test download capacity and is prepared for a potential new record. Ofcom, the communications regulator, reassured consumers that existing broadband codes require providers to maintain minimum speeds and offer clear information. Sony and Microsoft have urged players to pre‑download the game to avoid congestion, recalling similar chaos during the launch of smaller titles like Hollow Knight: Silksong in 2024.

💡 Why It Matters

  • · The launch will be a real‑world stress test for the UK’s biggest broadband backbone, revealing whether current infrastructure can sustain mass digital events without throttling gamers.