A physical edition of Grand Theft Auto 6 that includes a disc is reportedly planned for release in December, according to an insider. This claim follows earlier reports suggesting the game would not launch with a physical disc version, a detail that caused significant discussion among fans.
The initial pre-order period for Grand Theft Auto 6 revealed that while a physical edition would be available, it would not contain a disc. Instead, purchasers would receive a code for online redemption on PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X/S. This approach has been cited as a strategy for Rockstar Games to enhance protection against leaks, maintain price control, and prevent the secondary market.
If this new insider information proves accurate, a disc-based version arriving in December could serve Rockstar with a secondary marketing opportunity closer to the holiday season. The decision to initially omit a disc from physical copies has been a focal point of conversation, despite similar practices not being entirely unprecedented in the industry. This marks one of the most high-profile instances of such a release strategy.
Rockstar also faced criticism regarding the content included in the more expensive Ultimate Edition, which is priced at $100 and offers access to missions and in-game stores that are not available in the base $80 edition. Grand Theft Auto 6 is scheduled to launch on November 19 for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.