Will the GTA 6 launch break the Australian internet? NBN Co answers

Grand Auto Theft VI is shaping up to be one of the largest video game launches in history, raising questions about whether Australia's internet infrastructure can withstand the sudden demand. With a confirmed 212GB file size, a single copy of the game consumes a substantial amount of bandwidth. Multiply that by hundreds of thousands of Australian gamers trying to download the title simultaneously, and the potential strain on the network becomes apparent. We asked NBN Co whether the upcoming release could potentially break the Australian internet.

Despite the enormous anticipation, network operators remain confident in the country's digital infrastructure. An NBN Co spokesperson confirmed that the company has actively planned for major traffic events and believes the network is fully prepared for the surge. By collaborating closely with content distributors, the network operator models potential traffic impacts and implements strategies to stagger heavy demand rather than letting everyone pull data at once. This coordination has already altered traffic patterns, shifting usage earlier into the day instead of creating massive bottlenecks when people return home from work.

Historical data shows that major video game releases regularly test network limits. A previous blockbuster game release pushed Australian broadband traffic to a record 32.91 terabits per second, which sits roughly 30 percent above normal baseline levels and added nearly 8Tbps of demand during peak hours. Because GTA VI is among the most anticipated releases ever, analysts expect another substantial rise in network activity. However, a crucial mechanism is helping mitigate instantaneous overload: preloading.

Digital preorders open a multi-day preload window ahead of the official launch date, allowing players to download the massive game files days in advance. NBN Co notes that distributing the workload across a seven-to-eight-day period successfully softens sharp hourly traffic spikes. While hourly peak records might remain intact from previous events, the total aggregate download volume over the entire launch window could easily shatter historical records across the country. Households wanting to secure smooth downloads are encouraged to optimize their local Wi-Fi router placement ahead of the release window.