GTA VI downloads begin ahead of launch next week

The eagerly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI game is set to launch in New Zealand ahead of its broader release on November 19, according to Rockstar Games. Fans in the country were the first to begin downloading the game on Tuesday, as access was made available at midnight in each time zone. The game, available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series, necessitates a substantial 212GB of storage, making it one of the most ambitious launches in terms of memory requirements.

Depending on the quality of the internet connection, downloading the game could take anywhere from one hour to several hours. This early release aims to avert a surge in demand that could strain Rockstar Games' servers due to the anticipated high interest. The release of GTA VI is particularly significant, as it comes 13 years after its predecessor, which set new benchmarks for gameplay and profitability.

As of now, nearly eight million copies of the game have been pre-ordered, according to Sensor Tower, showcasing the immense anticipation from fans. Physical copies of the game can be collected from stores starting Thursday, although they will only contain a download code and not a physical disc. This latest installment, part of a franchise that has sold over 475 million copies worldwide since its inception in 1997, has been eagerly awaited for over a decade.

Industry observers predict that GTA VI will be the biggest launch of an entertainment product in terms of revenue.