After 13 years, “Grand Theft Auto” fans finally get to hit download on “Grand Theft Auto VI.” Xfinity is giving some of them a way to get it over with faster.
Players who preordered a digital copy can preload the game now, ahead of the Nov. 19 launch. Eligible Xfinity Internet customers can claim a free 15-day WiFi speed boost with download speeds of up to 2 gigabits per second, the company said.
Rockstar Games says players may need up to 212 GB of free space, depending on their device. Even the boxed edition comes with a download code in place of a disc.
Xfinity estimates the game could download in as little as 30 minutes on a multi-gig connection.
The internet provider expects Nov. 10-19 to be the busiest stretch in its network’s history. Xfinity says its highest-traffic days over the past three years came when a video game release coincided with a Thursday Night Football stream.
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“GTA VI” is the first mainline game in the franchise in more than a decade, and fans are fired up.
The first trailer pulled in more than 93 million YouTube views in just 24 hours, according to Xfinity.
“Millions of people are going to hit download the moment Grand Theft Auto VI becomes available, and that’s exactly the kind of moment our network is built for,” said Kohposh Kuda, senior vice president of consumer product marketing at Comcast.
The perk comes as Xfinity parent Comcast (CMCSA) works to hold on to broadband customers.
The company reported a net loss of 144,000 U.S. residential broadband customers in the third quarter, up from 91,000 a year earlier, according to Broadband Breakfast. Domestic broadband revenue fell 4.7% year over year.
How to claim Xfinity’s free speed boost
The boost became available Nov. 10. Xfinity told TheStreet you’ll need an eligible Xfinity gateway to get the boost. To see whether you’re eligible, open the Xfinity app or go to Xfinity.com/membership and look for the 15-day speed boost.
If it doesn’t appear, Xfinity says you can contact customer service to request access.
The 15 days start when you redeem the offer. If you claim it on the last day to redeem, Dec. 3, the boost will last until Dec. 18. After it expires, your connection automatically returns to its regular speed and your bill stays the same, Xfinity told TheStreet.
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Xfinity says the fastest speeds come from a wired connection or a WiFi 7-capable gateway and console. Your actual download time will depend on your equipment, your connection, and how busy the game’s download servers are.
The Xfinity app also has a Boost a Device feature, which lets you prioritize the WiFi connection for up to three devices at home, such as your game console.
‘GTA VI’ launch details
“Grand Theft Auto VI” launches Nov. 19 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
On PlayStation 5, digital preloading began at midnight local time on Nov. 10. On Xbox Series X|S, it began at 12 a.m. GMT, or 7 p.m. ET on Nov. 9, according to Rockstar.
The game costs $79.99 and the Ultimate Edition costs $99.99, Rockstar parent Take-Two Interactive said.
Players who preordered the boxed version can activate their code and preload as soon as they receive it, Rockstar said.
Rockstar also says the game will be available through Xbox Cloud Gaming on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles. Because it streams, connection speeds may affect performance.
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