Grand Theft Auto VI will not be stocked by at least two video game retailers due to Rockstar Games' decision to forgo a physical disc in favor of a digital code within the boxed version. Video Games Plus, a Canadian retailer, and independent store Loot Box Gaming have publicly stated their refusal to sell the highly anticipated title under these terms.
Video Games Plus explained its decision stems from a company policy against stocking physical products that exclusively contain a digital download code. The retailer emphasized its long-standing commitment to supporting and preserving physical media. "For nearly 40 years, VGP has been committed to supporting physical media and preserving the value of physical game ownership," the company stated. "As part of that commitment, our company policy is that we do not carry physical products for video game consoles that contain only a digital download code. Based on the information currently available, the physical release of Grand Theft Auto 6 for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X is expected to be a code-in-box product. As a result, VGP will not be offering it for sale under our current company policy."
Loot Box Gaming echoed a similar sentiment, prioritizing what it called the "preservation of said media" and the value proposition for paying customers. "When we started LBG, it was out of a love for our favorite form of media, gaming, as-well as the preservation of said media," the company said. "If a product can’t honor the people who pay their hard-earned money to purchase it, then we have no business trying to sell it to our customers whom we value above anything else."
Rockstar Games' move away from a disc appears to be a security measure aimed at preventing leaks and controlling access to the game ahead of its release. Given the immense anticipation for Grand Theft Auto VI, the developer may be concerned about potential early distribution through manufacturing or retail channels.
Major retailers such as GameStop, Amazon, and Best Buy are expected to carry the game, as they have historically stocked titles that utilize a digital code in lieu of a disc. Consumers will also have the option to purchase the game directly from the PlayStation Store and Xbox Store.
Pre-orders for Grand Theft Auto VI have commenced in New Zealand, with global rollout following regional midnight launches. The standard edition is priced at $79.99, with an Ultimate Edition available for $99.99, which includes exclusive in-game content such as specific missions, vehicles, weapons, and cosmetic items. Grand Theft Auto VI is scheduled to launch on November 19th for Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5.