GTA VI downloads begin ahead of launch next week

US video game developer Rockstar Games has enabled players to begin downloading Grand Theft Auto VI ahead of its official release next week. The game, set to launch on November 19 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series, became available for download in New Zealand at midnight on Tuesday, marking the first time fans in that region could access the highly anticipated title.

New Zealand gamers were among the first to dive into the game as access was gradually rolled out across various time zones. However, players will need to exercise patience until the early hours of Thursday before they can start gaming, as the actual launch date approaches.

GTA VI, available on both PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series, requires a substantial 212GB of storage space, positioning it as one of the most ambitious releases in terms of memory requirements. Depending on the quality of the internet connection, a download could take anywhere from roughly one hour to several hours.

The developers' decision to provide early access before the official launch aims to prevent a surge of gamers attempting to download the game simultaneously, which could potentially overwhelm Rockstar Games' servers due to the extreme demand. This move also highlights the immense anticipation surrounding the game, with nearly eight million copies already pre-ordered two weeks prior to its release.

Following the game's release, physical copies will be available for purchase at retail shops starting Thursday. Importantly, the physical copy will only contain a download code and will not include a physical disc. Since its inception in 1997, the Grand Theft Auto series has sold over 475 million copies worldwide, making it a beloved and lucrative franchise.

Industry experts predict that GTA VI will be the biggest launch of an entertainment product in terms of revenue, surpassing the success of its predecessor, GTA V, which sold more than 230 million units.