GTA 6 Physical Edition Sparks Fears of the Disc's Demise

Rockstar has faced backlash after confirming that the physical version of GTA 6 will only include a download code inside the box, leading some to call this the final nail in the coffin for video game discs.

While announcing that GTA 6 preorders go live at midnight tonight and revealing the game's price, Rockstar stated that the physical edition contains a download code only. It will be released starting November 12 to support pre-loading, a week before the game's general sale on November 19.

Some have declared this a pivotal moment marking the death of the video game disc. GTA 6 is expected to be the biggest entertainment launch ever, selling millions of copies. Its mainstream appeal means physical media remains significant for GTA 6, similar to EA sports games and Nintendo exclusives. However, Rockstar's parent company Take-Two giving the green light to release GTA 6—the ultimate blockbuster—without a disc could be a watershed moment.

IGN has reached out to Rockstar for comment on this decision.

The shift away from physical releases has raised concerns about game preservation and long-term playability. Some speculate Rockstar's choice might be aimed at preventing leaks or unauthorized cracked versions from retail distribution, but the social media account Does it play?, which advocates for physical media, pushed back.

"Disturbing GTA 6 news just dropped," Does it play? said. "Rockstar Games seemingly confirmed that the potentially biggest entertainment release of the year will be treated as a throwaway consumable. Rockstar Newswire mentions a download code in the box. NO PHYSICAL RELEASE! And to everyone spreading that 'because leaks' nonsense, stop excusing bad practices. If it gets the physical release later because of discs, all collectors and physical media enthusiasts will be spoilered. Where is your sympathy for them?"

Rockstar confirmed today that GTA 6 costs $80, a $10 increase over the standard triple-A pricing this generation. This price, combined with the lack of a disc, has led some to say they won't buy the game.

"$80 and no physical? Easiest pass of my life," IGN reader DenimChicken15 said. "I'll wait for the game to be $20 in a few years and maybe I'll consider playing it."

"A box with a code inside is not a physical copy," IGN reader woody280486 added. "A physical copy includes a disc that you can share with friends when you're done playing or trade in at a game store. All that hype to show off cover art for what is essentially an empty box seems so stupid."

"And from this day onwards, the trend will accelerate exponentially," suggested Klowjow. "If there's one thing GTA can do, it's normalize practices in an industry."

Some hope Rockstar will eventually release a version of GTA 6 with a disc, but there's no indication that will happen.

We have plenty more on GTA 6 following today's announcement, including over 60 new GTA 6 screenshots and Sony's boast that GTA 6 "plays best" on PS5.