The news of Grand Theft Auto 6’s physical copy launching without a disc has shaken the gamer world. Rockstar has yet to comment on this decision, though the most plausible explanation is wanting to avoid leaks from anyone who gets their hands on the physical disc early. Another opinion is that they want to prevent copies of Grand Theft Auto from being resold without Rockstar getting a cut from that resale. Whatever the reasoning, ignoring the physical market is a baffling move for a game that will cost $80 or €80, and with customisation options paywalled behind premium editions.
While waiting for more news on the most anticipated game this year, two retailers in the USA have already said that they wouldn’t be selling the game upon release, which is a bold statement against Rockstar’s fumble. These retailers focus on physical media over digital, so for them, it makes no sense to be selling an empty box with a pass code inside for someone to just punch in and download on the release date.
Rage Against the Digital
On Wednesday, Video Games Plus, a North American chain that has been working for 30 years now, issued a statement against Grand Theft Auto 6’s decision to forego actual discs. Because the company is very loyal to physical games, it will boycott GTA 6 until it has an actual physical edition, which is a noble stance to take.
Here is VGP’s official statement on the matter:
For nearly 40 years, VGP has been committed to supporting physical media and preserving the value of physical game ownership, 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 VI 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. Should Rockstar one day release a physical edition containing a disc in the box, we would be pleased to carry and support that version for our customers.
Loot Box Gaming, which is also a retailer focused on physical media, spoke on the issue of Grand Theft Auto 6 not having a physical copy at the launch date:
We’re closely following the GTA 6 physical release situation over the next 24 hours. We’ve yet to receive full details on our end, but assuming information about it being a code in a box is true, we will not be supporting the release of GTA 6,” stated Loot Box Gaming in their statement. “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. 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.
The retailer did clarify that they are not trying to vilify Rockstar and the upcoming massive game, but they’re just staying loyal to their customers, and it isn’t about sticking it to the Grand Theft Auto creators. It was also brought up that this would not harm the sales or sway the opinion of Rockstar, as it is only a small retailer (two retailers in total), so LBG stated that they only wish the best for Rockstar and the upcoming game, because even if one disagrees with the practices doesn’t mean they are out for blood.
