Grand Theft Auto VI pre-loads have broken two broadband traffic records in the UK, with Virgin Media O2 reporting its highest-ever peak network traffic and daily data usage on November 10, 2026. The records were established as players began downloading Rockstar Games’ upcoming release ahead of its November 19 launch on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
Virgin Media O2 announced the figures on November 11, confirming that peak broadband traffic exceeded its previous record by 3.8%. That record had been established during the Arsenal versus Atlético Madrid Champions League semi-final. Total daily data usage also surpassed the company’s previous record, set during the November 1 launch of Fortnite Chapter 7 Mini Season, by 4%.
The increase began almost immediately after GTA 6 pre-loading became available. Between midnight and 1am on November 10, Virgin Media recorded a 51.6% increase in broadband traffic compared with the equivalent period on November 3. By 9am, the total volume of downloaded data was 73.3% higher than during the same period the previous Tuesday.
The company confirmed that its previous full-day download record had already been exceeded by 11:05pm, establishing November 10 as its busiest recorded day for broadband data consumption.
The figures provide a measurable indication of demand for GTA 6 before its official release. The game has already established pre-order records across PlayStation and Xbox, while separate consumer research found that 29% of US gamers intend to purchase GTA 6.
Virgin Media O2 Chief Technology Officer Jeanie York said the company had been preparing its infrastructure for the increased demand associated with the launch.
“GTA VI is already proving to be a record-breaking moment for our network, with fans downloading the game in huge numbers before it launches,” York said.
The provider also highlighted the substantial download requirements associated with the game, stating that customers using its Gig2 broadband service could download the 190GB title in under 15 minutes.
Alongside the network statistics, Virgin Media O2 released findings from a survey conducted by Strand Partners on October 30. The research included 520 UK adults expecting to play GTA 6, drawn from a broader nationally representative survey of 1,006 adults.
Among prospective players surveyed, 46% expected to download the game before release day, while 45% anticipated spending at least £50 on gaming equipment beyond the cost of the game itself. Another 21% reported clearing console storage or planning to do so, and 18% were checking or intended to check their broadband speeds.
The survey also found that 78% of respondents had made or planned changes to their schedules to accommodate the launch. Among employed respondents expecting to play, half anticipated taking time off work.
Rockstar officially opened GTA 6 pre-loading on November 10 for customers who digitally pre-ordered the game. Buyers of physical code-in-box editions can also begin downloading after receiving and activating their codes.
Virgin Media’s measurements cover its own fixed broadband network rather than internet traffic across the entire UK. Nevertheless, the figures establish that GTA 6 has already generated record demand on a major broadband provider’s infrastructure, more than a week before players can begin exploring Leonida.
Grand Theft Auto VI launches November 19, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
