GTA 6's 212GB download won't break Australia's NBN, says network

NBN Co says it's ready for the GTA 6 download surge

Australia's broadband network operator is not worried about GTA 6's 212GB download, according to a statement given to TechRadar.

With Grand Theft Auto VI shaping up to be one of the biggest game launches in history, questions about whether Australia's internet infrastructure can handle the demand are fair. The game's confirmed 212GB download size means even a single copy consumes serious bandwidth, and hundreds of thousands of Australian players downloading at once could strain any network.

NBN Co, the company responsible for the national broadband network, told TechRadar it has planned for major download events like this and is confident the network is ready for the increased demand. The company works closely with content distributors to model the potential impact of major game releases, allowing it to prepare for periods of particularly heavy demand.

Part of that preparation involves spreading downloads over a longer period rather than letting everyone start at the same time. This approach has already changed how major game launches affect the network, according to NBN Co.

GTA 6 download and launch details

Preloads could set a new record for total data

The week-long preload period for GTA 6 should prevent a massive spike on launch day, but NBN Co believes it could still set a record for total download volume.

GTA 6's preload period is expected to last around a week, giving players plenty of time to download the game before launch. That spreads the load and reduces the risk of a sudden traffic spike when the game goes live.

Even so, NBN Co thinks the total volume of data downloaded across the 7–8-day launch period could set a new record. For context, a previous major game release pushed NBN traffic to a record 32.91Tbps, around 30% above normal levels. GTA 6 could surpass that.

The company's confidence is reassuring, but actual network performance will depend on how many players download simultaneously and how well distributors manage the rollout. Preloads help, but they don't eliminate the risk of congestion entirely.

What the 212GB download means for players

A 212GB download is large, but it's not unusual for modern blockbuster games. The bigger question is how long it will take on your connection.

For players on slower connections, a 212GB download can take hours or even days. That's why the preload period matters: it gives everyone a chance to get the game installed before launch day. If you're on a limited data plan, you'll want to check your cap before hitting download.

The file size also highlights how games have grown. A few years ago, 50GB was considered huge; now 200GB is becoming normal for major releases. Storage space is another consideration: you'll need enough free space on your console or PC before you can even start the download.

What it means for you

If you're in the US, UK or EU, your internet provider may also see increased traffic during the GTA 6 launch, but most major ISPs have experience with large game releases and are likely to cope. The key is to preload the game early if you want to play on day one.

NBN Co's comments are specific to Australia, but the broader lesson applies everywhere: preloads and distributor cooperation are now standard for big launches. If your connection is slow, start the download as soon as preloads go live.

GTA 6's launch will be a major test for broadband networks worldwide, but NBN Co's preparations suggest Australia is ready. The real question is whether players will heed the advice to preload early. If they do, launch day should be smooth sailing.