Rockstar is not offering a physical version of Grand Theft Auto 6. Fans are outraged, and some stores are even refusing to sell the game altogether.
Pre-orders forGTA 6have begun, and we were ready this morning to report on crashed store websites or overloaded servers. But things went very smoothly—at least on the technical side. Instead, there was another surprise, and it’s currently causing a lot of outrage in the GTA community:
Rockstar will not include physical discs in the physical retail versions of GTA 6.So the plastic cases will only contain a digital download code.
There’s no official explanation, but there have been rumors in the past that this could be a measure to prevent leaks. Or it may be intended to boost sales, since without a disc, lending and reselling aren’t possible.
As a reminder:GTA 5was still released as a physical version, with multiple discs due to the file size.
Two Stores Take Action
While pre-orders have begun at Amazon, Mediamarkt, and others, two stores are refusing to carry GTA 6—in protest of the decision to release it on disc. The North American retailer Video Games Plus posted a detailed statement on X:
A Statement from VGP Regarding Grand Theft Auto VI
As gamers and retailers, we recognize that Grand Theft Auto VI is poised to be one of the biggest entertainment launches in history. The excitement surrounding this release is unprecedented, and we understand why so many… pic.twitter.com/dnGyPm5mrn
— VGP Video Games Plus (@VideoGamesPlus_) June 24, 2026
As gamers and retailers, we realize that Grand Theft Auto VI is likely to be one of the biggest entertainment launches in history. The anticipation surrounding this release is unprecedented, and we understand why so many customers are eagerly awaiting the game’s release.
For nearly 40 years, VGP has been committed to supporting physical media and preserving the value of owning physical games. As part of this commitment, our company policy is that we do not offer physical products for video game consoles that contain only a digital download code.
Based on currently available information, the physical version of Grand Theft Auto VI for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X is expected to be released as a code-in-box product. Therefore, in accordance with our current company policy, VGP will not offer the game for sale.
We would like to clarify that this decision has nothing to do with the game itself. We have great respect for Rockstar Games and the incredible achievement that Grand Theft Auto VI represents.
Should Rockstar one day release a physical edition with a disc in the box, we would be happy to carry and support that version for our customers.
Thank you for your continued support of physical games and for helping us promote the preservation and ownership of games for nearly four decades.
The U.S. online store Loot Box Gaming also participated with a similarstatementthat GTA 6 will not be available through them unless Rockstar releases a physical version. They plan to wait and see what additional information is released on the matter.
Both retailers are receiving a lot of support for their stance in the comments, as many fans are also far from thrilled about the lack of physical discs. The topic of “purely digital ownership” has been a hot topic in the gaming world for quite some time; recently, the Stop Killing Games initiative suffered a setback before the European Commission.
So it’s no wonder that many people want to be able to buy GTA 6 in a format that allows for more than just a digital license. The comments section on Reddit is currently ablaze. This one is at the top of the massive pre-order thread, with the most support:
I know that 99 percent of people are fine with the $80 price and with getting a box without a disc. But personally, I definitely don’t want to support that.
Will a physical version of GTA 6 be released later? There’s no information on that at the moment. We’ll keep you updated, of course, should Rockstar make any announcements.
Is the lack of a physical release an important factor for you? Have you long since switched to a fully digital library, or do you still buy discs whenever possible?
