Amid the myriad of details that Rockstar has revealed for Grand Theft Auto 6, it’s been confirmed that physical editions won’t include a game disc. Instead, buyers will find a download code that must be redeemed on their console.
Launching November 19, GTA 6 is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated games of all time, with two editions set to be available: Standard and Ultimate. Sadly, neither will include a physical disc.
Bad News For Physical Media Fans
It’s now been confirmed that no matter which version of GTA 6 players pre-order, physical editions will only include a download code. Rockstar is hardly the first studio to take this approach, but for a game of this scale and significance, many fans were hoping to own it as an actual piece of physical media.
That said, some have theorised that Rockstar is doing this to prevent players from accessing the game early. Physical pre-orders can sometimes be shipped before release day, and if a disc-based copy lands early, players may be able to jump in ahead of launch, aside from any required day-one patch.
With GTA 6 set to be a cultural phenomenon, Rockstar will likely want to maintain control over the launch and prevent early leaks from fans who receive the game before everyone else. It’s a tough blow for physical media collectors, but with the Ultimate Edition including several digital bonuses, download codes were perhaps always likely.
It’s a bummer that there’s no physical disc, but it hardly kills the hype for the game. If you need a little pick-me-up, check out the latest trailer for GTA 6 below:
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Charlie is one of Insider Gaming's Guides Writers who's been in the gaming industry for a little over a year. Unfortunately for him, he enjoys every video game genre out…
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Didn’t Strauss say the opposite? A lot of old heads the console base will skip this game over no physical and others for no online also PS5 only basically since no PC or Switch 2 ports.