Virgin Media O2 limits UK network maintenance ahead of GTA VI launch
Virgin Media O2 has confirmed that it is planning for significant demand ahead of the launch of the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6.
The 209 GB digital-only video game is expected to be the most poplar in history, putting significant strain on networks.
Virgin Media O2 told HotMinute that it is coordinating its technical teams through a shared events calendar to prepare for periods of high traffic.
“During these events, we keep network components available and limit planned maintenance and changes to maximise capacity and minimise disruption,” it said.
“We monitor traffic across the whole network, not just gaming, to identify unusual patterns and potential local issues as demand develops. Our aim is to keep customers connected, whether they’re downloading GTA, streaming, working or making video calls.”
The group said it is planning for demand across both pre-loading and launch day. Its polling found that 46% of prospective GTA VI players expected to download before release, bringing some demand forward. “That reflects intentions rather than completed downloads, so we cannot yet say whether launch day will exceed the pre-load records,” it said.
Jeanie York, Chief Technology Officer at Virgin Media O2, confirmed that GTA VI has already broken broadband records before players have even entered the game, and the group is preparing for another busy day when it launches next week.
“Fans downloading in advance will spread some of that demand, but it’s too early to say whether launch day will set another record.
“Our preparations cover both the run-up and release itself. Technical teams use a shared events calendar to plan ahead, keeping network components available and limiting planned maintenance to maximise capacity. We also monitor traffic as it develops, with the aim of keeping all our customers connected, whether they’re downloading GTA, streaming a film or working from home.”
