Impact of Video Game Launches on Broadband Demand Peaks

Internet service providers are urging gaming companies to enhance transparency regarding product launches to better manage the impact on broadband networks.

This call for collaboration comes as providers anticipate a significant surge in demand on Tuesday, coinciding with the rollout of a new Fortnite update and the simultaneous streaming of UEFA Champions League matches.

ISPs are cautioning about the risks of ‘super peaks’ in network traffic as Fortnite, one of the most popular games, releases its seasonal update. This will occur alongside a key match between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain, scheduled for 8 PM on Amazon Prime Video.

According to Virgin Media O2, the largest spikes in their fixed network traffic are primarily driven by sports broadcasts on Amazon and major gaming updates.

The company has requested additional advance notice about update file sizes from gaming developers, as stated by a company representative.

BT’s spokesperson emphasized the need for greater collaboration with a broader range of gaming companies in the future.

Providers are advocating for timely notifications regarding updates to help them mitigate traffic congestion and align release dates to prevent overlaps with other high-demand services.

This includes acquiring more detailed information about content delivery networks used to distribute the updates.

ISPs like Sky, Virgin Media O2, Vodafone, TalkTalk, and BT prepare for anticipated surges ahead of significant gaming and sporting events to effectively manage ‘super peaks.’

While sports schedules offer ample advanced notice, ISPs note that game developers often remain secretive, resulting in little to no notification about launch events.

Over the next decade, public service broadcasting is expected to transition from traditional transmission methods to delivering content over the internet.

This challenge is intensified by the increasing file sizes associated with higher-quality content, as gaming updates become more frequent.

Typically, Epic Games issues Fortnite updates every one to two weeks, with larger updates introducing new features or maps occurring every ten to twelve weeks.

The upcoming update for Fortnite, Chapter 5 Season 4, is set to launch at 9 AM in the UK, with servers expected to come back online at 2 PM. Many players in the UK are likely to engage with the game during the evening, aligning with the Champions League match.

In anticipation of traffic peaks, providers will postpone routine maintenance to maximize network resilience.

The Electronic Communications Resilience & Response Group (EC-RRG), supported by government efforts, assists the telecommunications industry during significant events that drive high traffic.

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