GTA 6 is officially available to pre-order, but several retailers have boycotted sales, citing the absence of disc copies of the title.
On 24 June, Rockstar Games quietly confirmed that GTA VI‘s physical copies wouldn’t include a disc copy of the game. Instead, they’ll adopt the increasingly common method of offering a digital code in a box.
It’s a practice that essentially makes physical copies obsolete; the only benefit you get is an empty plastic box to display on your shelf. Digital ownership is terrible for game preservation. In fact, in many instances when consumers purchase a digital title, they’re actually only purchasing temporary usage that can be revoked at any time. In most cases, you only truly own a game if you have a disc copy with all of the required software installed on that disc.
Rockstar Games is yet to justify why it’s opted for a code in a box. Yes, GTA VI is expected to be a hefty game, but it isn’t unheard of to provide multiple installation discs if required.
Two Major Retailers Refuse to Stock GTA 6
Video Games Plus (VGP) , a Toronto-based retailer with nearly 40 years in business, was one of the first to announce they wouldn’t be stocking copies of GTA VI.
“For nearly 40 years, VGP has been committed to supporting physical media and preserving the value of physical game ownership. As part of that commitment, our company policy is that we do not carry physical products for video game consoles that contain only a digital download code. Based on the information currently available, the physical release of Grand Theft Auto VI for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X is expected to be a code-in-box product. As a result, VGP will not be offering it for sale under our current company policy.”
The retailer clarified that the decision is “not a reflection of the game itself” and that they have “tremendous respect for Rockstar Games and the incredible achievement that Grand Theft Auto 6 represents.” They added that if Rockstar “one day release a physical edition containing a disc in the box, we would be pleased to carry and support that version for our customers.”
Loot Box Gaming (LBG), a US-based retailer, soon followed suit.
“When we started LBG, it was out of a love for our favorite form of media, gaming, as well as the preservation of said media. If a product can’t honour the people who pay their hard earned money to purchase it, then we have no business trying to sell it to our customers whom we value above anything else.”
Both retailers emphasised game preservation in their statements, and the announcements have been met with largely complimentary responses from the community.
Why Is Rockstar Doing This?
The decision appears to be a security measure. GTA 6 is arguably the most anticipated release in entertainment history, and there are concerns that physical discs could be stolen from manufacturing plants, fall off trucks, or be sold early by retailers – leading to massive leaks. By using download codes, Rockstar can control exactly when players gain access to the game. Some speculate that Rockstar may release a disc version in 2027 once the hype has died down.
Major Retailers Stay Silent
While VGP and LBG have taken a stand, major retailers like GameStop, Amazon, and Best Buy have remained silent and are expected to carry the game. As industry analyst Mat Piscatella noted, the decision is unlikely to significantly impact sales – boxed download codes aren’t necessarily bad for retailers, as they allow disc‑less console owners to buy physical packaging they otherwise wouldn’t.
Also, Read
- GTA 6 Confirms Early Download As 12 November Set To Be A Major Day
- GTA 6 Limited Time DLC Confirmed, How To Claim As Pre-Orders Finally Arrive
- GTA 6 Reportedly Will Include Two Key Modes at Launch
Not the Only Controversy
The disc controversy isn’t the only issue surrounding GTA 6’s pre-orders. The Ultimate Edition has come under fire for paywalling content. It’s been confirmed that the Ultimate Edition features exclusive stores, side quests, and missions that base game players won’t be able to enjoy.
“Rockstar combined all the worst possible practices into a single game,” read one fan tweet. “Pre-sale without showing gameplay, physical media without the disc, game content locked behind a deluxe version, game content locked behind pre-purchase of the regular version, $80.”
Another fan added: “Let’s not forget that online for it will be a separate purchase as well,” as Rockstar has confirmed GTA 6 purchases only provide the single-player offering. “This is only the tip of the iceberg,” said one gamer. “Just wait until we get to the car passes, Shark cards, monthly online subscriptions, season passes, private server rentals.”
Grand Theft Auto VI is due to launch on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S on 19 November, with those who pre-order able to pre-load the game from 12 November.