Rockstar Games is facing criticism following the announcement that the physical edition of Grand Theft Auto 6 will contain only a download code, leading some to declare it a pivotal moment signaling the demise of physical video game discs.
The physical version of Grand Theft Auto 6, slated for release on November 12 to facilitate pre-loading ahead of its November 19 general sale, will not include a disc. This move by Rockstar's parent company, Take-Two Interactive, for what is anticipated to be a monumental entertainment launch, has been interpreted by many as a significant turning point for the industry.
Concerns have been raised regarding the long-term preservation of video games and the ability for players to access titles in the future if physical media is phased out. While some speculate that Rockstar's decision may be intended to prevent leaks or unauthorized releases, the advocacy group Does it play? has refuted this, arguing that it signifies a disregard for physical media enthusiasts and collectors.
"Disturbing GTA 6 news just dropped," Does it play? stated. "Rockstar Games seemingly confirmed that the potentially biggest entertainment release of the year will be treated as a throwaway consumable. Rockstar Newswire mentions a download code in the box. NO PHYSICAL RELEASE! And to everyone spreading that ‘because leaks’ nonsense, stop excusing bad practices. If it gets the physical release later because of discs, all collectors and physical media enthusiasts will be spoilered. Where is your sympathy for them?"
Adding to the controversy, Grand Theft Auto 6 will retail for $80, a $10 increase over the typical price point for AAA games this generation. This price hike, coupled with the absence of a disc, has led some potential buyers to express their dissatisfaction and decision to forgo the purchase. "$80 and no physical? Easiest pass of my life," commented IGN reader DenimChicken15. "I’ll wait for the game to be $20 in a few years and maybe I’ll consider playing it."
Other readers echoed this sentiment, with woody280486 noting, "A box with a code inside is not a physical copy. A physical copy includes a disc that you can share to your friends when you're done playing it or trade it in at a game store when you've exhausted playing it. All that hype to show off cover art for what is essentially going to be an empty box seems so stupid."
The trend towards digital-only distribution is expected to accelerate, with user Klowjow suggesting, "And from this day onwards, the trend will accelerate exponentially. If there's one thing GTA can do, it's normalise practice in an industry."
While some hope for a future release of Grand Theft Auto 6 that includes a physical disc, there has been no indication from Rockstar that this will occur. The announcement also comes alongside the release of over 60 new screenshots for GTA 6 and Sony's claim that the game "plays best" on PS5.