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Rockstar Games released more information about the GTA 6 order process today, with the key revelation being that physical editions of the game wouldn't actually include a game disc. Instead, they will contain "a download code inside the box". These "physical" editions will start shipping on November 12th, 2026, a week ahead of launch, to allow players to redeem the code and begin preloading the game as an online download. The game is now confirmed to cost $79.99 in the US, with a $99.99 "Ultimate" Edition adding "an exclusive collection of premium vehicles, weapons, apparel, and action threaded across all aspects of Jason and Lucia’s story."
While the move is sensible from Rockstar's perspective - as it removes the possibility that enterprising users are able to extract and leak game data early or even play the game ahead of launch - it also means that the physical edition of the game is completely unplayable without an internet connection, something that will no doubt irk those of us on slower or unreliable connections, not to mention game collectors and other fans of physical media.
The press release goes on to say that digital pre-order customers get access to the same November 12th start for pre-loading, plus a free month of GTA+.
All purchases before November 20th will get the "Vintage Vice City Pack", a "collection of items that flash back to when the neon burned brightest." This includes a Vapid Stanier classic car from the original Vice City, a Shore Court garage to keep it, two Vice City outfits/hairstyles and an "exclusive weapon pattern".
From a quick scan of the press materials, the Ultimate Edition includes a collection of vehicles, garages, mod shops, classic car missions, a boat, weapons and weapon finishes, apparel, hairstyles and more. You can upgrade to the Ultimate Edition from the regular edition "at any time".
As a reminder, pre-orders begin on midnight local time at June 25th and the game releases on November 19th. A FAQ on the PS Store listing confirms that GTA 6 is "a single-player experience", meaning the game won't include a GTA Online multiplayer component - at least at launch.
What do you make of the announcement? Is this the ultimate death knell of physical media? Or a special case due to the impending hugeness of the GTA 6 release? Let me know in the comments below.
Comments 9
Very disappointing. Hopefully the single player is still available to play offline.
This is 100% to stave off any second hand copies from appearing in the market. You want to play GTA 6? Great, you’re buying it from Rockstar. Selling your copy? Nope. This also gives them a retail presence while maintaining release control.
Sigh. Boo.
Oh, and since it's $80 it's going to be at least €90-100 in Europe because the conversion rates for games are always complete ass.
Media Markt Poland seemingly revealed the existence of a Quality and a Performance mode (also for Series S?), but later removed this info from its website.
https://www.reddit.com/r/GamingLeaksAndRumours/comments/1udsah3/gta_6_will_have_a_quality_and_performance_mode/
My answer to the poll: I just won't
@Solegor are you not interested in the game or do you not want anything digital? Skipping the biggest game in history just because it is digital or costs a sandwich more is really strange.
Very, very, very disappointed to hear the so-called "physical" edition is just another waste of money and materials because it's a code in a box. Wow! Seriously, what is the point in buying a physical copy of a game that requires the internet anyway? I suppose it is possible that retailers like Amazon might discount the game a bit versus the Sony and Microsoft storefront prices but otherwise I can think of no other reason to buy or pre-order a physical copy.
I saw someone post on the Eurogamer forum that Take-Two have done this to ensure that there are no second hand sales which is kind of a scummy move really considering how rich they are and how much the game is rumoured to cost (between £70 and £80 in the UK).
I was planning to pre-order a PS5 copy from Amazon tomorrow for my collection and only because they do not take payment until dispatch so it's not like I'm giving Take-Two any money early. I normally only pre-order from Amazon for that reason and to own a disc copy of the game.
Otherwise, i do not pre-order digital-only releases; what's the point? Anyone pre-ordering GTA 6 is just a fool in my opinion and if you must buy it early then just get it the week before release so you can pre-load it (if, say, your internet is slow or something).
I will not be buying this game until release. It's digital so they're not going to run out of copies and I have a very fast and reliable unlimited 1 Gbps fibre connection so downloading it will be no issue. I certainly will not be giving those scumbags, Take-Two, my money early by pre-ordering a digital copy! I don't even do that on PC.
Game Key Cards have been my biggest issue this gen for Switch 2 but code in a box on the ither consoles must be way more infuriating since the cost of a BD is so marginal. This is pure publisher greed/because we can attitude. I'm sure this is basically going to be a live service game with a campaign tacked on the idea of Day 1 code barely makes sense but the principle of it is upsetting.
@Granadico - It is more likely about controlling second hand sales etc since Take-Two don't get a cut of those. Also, by making it a digital-only release they have full control of how long the game is available, the pricing, when it can be discounted for sales and by how much and so on.
@Eruanno European/UK prices also include VAT (19-25%), where as US prices do not, so that has a fairly big impact.
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