KEY POINTS

  • Rockstar game servers crippled by surge of new GTA V players
  • Rockstar Games likely to suffer more outages, same with Epic Games
  • "Grand Theft Auto 5" still available for free until May 21

The Epic Games Store was heavily cheered after offering "Grand Theft Auto 5" as one of their free games last May 14. Known as one of the big games to this day, it comes to no surprise that many took advantage of the offer. But it appears Rockstar Games was not prepared for the surge of players with their servers seemingly unable to manage the load.

Rockstar issued an advisory via Twitter that players could run into problems accessing "GTA 5" for PC and the company's game launcher. The reason mentioned is due to "extremely high player volumes," likely resulting in the surge of new first-time players who want to try out "GTA V." Efforts were underway to try and restore the servers. But it seems clear that Rockstar was not ready for the volume of new players, probably thinking a surge had poor chances of happening.

What Rockstar may have failed to realize is that a lot of people at home and looking for something to do. Hence, many would take up the Epic Games' free giveaway and try it out. Epic Games has offered high-profile games in the past but they may have overlooked the popularity of "GTA V."

It was not just Rockstar that suffered some server hiccups. The Epic Games site has also been dealing with a heavy load since offering "GTA V" but it appears things have returned to normal, CNet reported. There is no telling how long the site can sustain being up considering the free "Grand Theft Auto 5" offering is valid until May 21.

Folks who still want to get the game for free. All they have to do is head on over to the Epic Games site where they can register for free. New customers will also need to get the Epic Games software client that is also for free. Once done, add the game ("GTA V") to the game library and that will be there forever.

With "Grand Theft Auto 6" still nowhere to be found, the attention has been on "GTA V." However, the next "GTA" installment is making progress. As mentioned in a previous post, the main story for "GTA 6" has wrapped up after getting tweaked several times. Unfortunately, a release date may still be far off, meaning "GTA 6" remains under development.

GTA V
Will fans finally see "GTA 6" some time in the Summer of 2020? strelkin / Flickr
RELATED STORIES