Key facts
- Rockstar Games' Grand Theft Auto 6 physical edition will contain a single-use code for digital download, not a disc.
- The standard edition of GTA 6 will cost £70, with a premium edition priced at £90.
- Gamers cite the ability to lend, sell, or resell games as key benefits of physical discs.
- A significant percentage of current-generation consoles (over half of Xbox Series, over a quarter of PS5s) lack physical disc drives.
- Consumer rights groups express concern over publishers' practices regarding game access and server shutdowns.
- GTA 6 is set to launch on November 19 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S/X.
Rockstar Games has announced that the physical edition of Grand Theft Auto 6 will not include a game disc, but rather a code for a digital download. This decision has sparked debate among gamers about the future of physical media and game ownership.
While digital sales now dominate the video game market, and many modern consoles lack disc drives, the absence of a physical disc means players cannot lend the game to friends or resell it later. This has led to criticism from some gamers and consumer rights advocates who view it as a step towards publishers controlling access to games rather than true ownership.
Mat Piscatella, an industry advisor at Circana, noted that over half of Xbox Series consoles and over a quarter of PS5s in the US do not have disc drives, indicating a growing trend towards digital consumption. However, for many, the ability to physically own and trade games remains important.
Reasons for Rockstar's decision are speculative, with suggestions including preventing pre-release leaks, the game being close to completion, or a strategy to increase revenue per sale. Nintendo has also introduced similar 'key card' formats for digital downloads. Some independent retailers have stated they will not stock the code-in-a-box version, citing a commitment to preserving the value of physical game ownership.
The launch of GTA 6, scheduled for November 19, is a significant economic event, with Bank of America commenting on its pricing. The move away from discs may also impact traditional midnight launch events.