Rockstar Games co-founder Dan Houser and longtime Rockstar writer Lazlow Jones have shared their perspectives on the ongoing debate surrounding physical versus digital video game distribution. Their comments come in the wake of Grand Theft Auto 6's announcement that it would not include a disc, and Sony's recent confirmation of ceasing physical disc production by January 2028.
Speaking with IGN at San Diego Comic-Con, where they were promoting their comic series American Caper, Houser stated, "I don't know that I care, but if people want that, companies should provide it." He also acknowledged the benefits of digital releases, noting that "the ability to update and fix problems in games have been very useful to the quality of games."
Lazlow Jones echoed a similar sentiment, expressing appreciation for both formats. "We all love that feeling of getting a copy and putting the disc in the console," he said, "but I also have to say I really like being at the airport and going 'oh cool, I can download some games to my Steam Deck for this 12 hour flight'."
The pair drew parallels between their current work with physical comic books and the broader discussion of physical media in gaming. Lazlow described creating a physical product as a "different creative process" that is "really fulfilling to have a physical thing that you can say [you made]," a sentiment Houser supported by stating his love for physical media.
The discourse on physical and digital game formats has seen contributions from various industry figures. Sega president Shuji Utsumi has emphasized the continued value of physical games at his company, while Hideo Kojima, director of Death Stranding, voiced his disappointment with Sony's decision to phase out physical disc production.