GTA 6 Launch Could Strain Global Power Grids, Experts Warn
Translated & summarized from Cursorinfo by baba
The release of Grand Theft Auto VI on November 19 could cause a 26-gigawatt surge in global electricity demand, equivalent to 20 nuclear reactors, potentially straining power grids. While historical incidents show such surges can cause blackouts, the risk is considered low due to staggered release times across time zones and pre-downloads. Modern grids have reserves to manage these fluctuations, though vulnerabilities remain.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- GTA 6 launch on November 19 may cause a 26 GW global power demand surge, like 20 nuclear reactors.
- Simultaneous activation of 130 million consoles could trigger grid frequency drops and safety shutdowns.
- Historical power grid failures in the US, Canada, India, and Texas are cited as examples of vulnerability.
- Risk of global blackout is low due to staggered release across 24 time zones, distributing demand.
- Pre-downloads and modern grid reserves are expected to mitigate the impact of the surge.
The upcoming release of Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6) by Rockstar Games on November 19 could pose a significant challenge to global electricity grids, according to energy engineers cited by "Israel Hayom." The simultaneous activation of an estimated 130 million next-generation gaming consoles is projected to create a sudden demand surge of 26 gigawatts, equivalent to the output of approximately 20 large nuclear reactors. This surge, driven by consoles switching from standby to full power, could strain power grids which require precise, instantaneous matching of electricity production to consumption. Sudden electromagnetic loads can cause turbine speeds to drop, reducing grid frequency and potentially triggering automatic safety shutdowns of power stations if it falls below critical thresholds. The article references historical grid failures, such as the 2003 blackout affecting 50 million in the US and Canada due to a downed power line and system failures, and a 2020 incident in India where a call for a 9-minute light switch-off led to a 31-gigawatt drop, forcing emergency measures. A near-collapse in Texas in 2021, which was minutes away from requiring a full restart of power stations, is also mentioned. Despite the alarming figures, "Israel Hayom" suggests the risk of a global blackout is low. This is because the game's staggered release across 24 time zones will distribute the demand over a full day, rather than a single sharp spike. Additionally, many players are expected to pre-download the game in low-power standby mode, and modern grids are equipped with battery storage and automatic reserves to handle such fluctuations. However, the article cautions that complex infrastructure systems remain vulnerable to unexpected failures, advising players to save their progress early in the game.