Despite rumors to the contrary, Rockstar Games’ “Grand Theft Auto VI” won’t be getting a physical disc release after all.
When the game’s price and pre-orders were announced this week, Rockstar Games revealed that the release would be digital only. A physical box would be sold, but would simply come with a digital download code – no disc.
The move effectively negates either reselling or lending of the game out to a friend. On Thursday, physical media fans got their hopes up when an email was circulated (via GTA6 Info) in which Rockstar Support replied to one worried player saying: “You will be able to acquire a physical copy during the following months.”
That comment was misinterpreted as confirmation of a proper disc release sometime after the game drops on November 19th, with rumours suggesting a December release.
The Hollywood Reporter has now ended that confusion after speaking with sources at Rockstar who are aware of the game’s release plans.
They indicate the company has no plans to print discs of GTA 6 now or months following the release. The email’s mention of a ‘physical copy’ is the same code-in-a-case release already announced.
Several smaller retailers have already indicated they don’t intend to stock the code-in-a-case release in their stores, according to Games Radar.
In 2009, physical video game consumer spending hit $11.5 billion and has been falling ever since, until this year when a 3% uptick has been reported according to analyst Matt Piscatella. Even so, the sector now accounts for just $1.6 billion of the market – the overwhelming majority of volume is done digitally now.
“Grand Theft Auto VI” retails for $80 for the standard edition and $100 for the premium edition. It will be released on November 19th.
