GTA 6 pre-orders opened last Thursday and it is speculated millions, potentially tens of millions of people, have already parted ways with $70 to $100 ahead of launch. However, physical sales of the game are looking to be like a rounding error due to the lack of disc found in the box of the game.
As spotted by Polygon, GameStop staff have taken to Reddit to voice how badly the pre-order launch has been for them. This could have a detrimental impact on video game stores in the coming year or so.
Depressing Read For Disc Fans
One employee notes because the game’s physical copy only includes a code to download the game digitally and not a disc plus no ultimate edition is available this way either, pre-orders for the game have been completely disastrous.
There was an expectation at this employee’s store that they would achieve at least 500 pre-orders on June 25th. That unnamed store received just 5. A single digit figure. That is all.
They also added that three of those pre-orders were down people to only wanting to get the map that is typically found within Rockstar’s game cases. There is no guarantee that will even happen this time and the most recent versions of GTA V and Red Dead Redemption do not include a map.
Other stores did fair better. There was a target of 200 pre-orders of Grand Theft Auto 6 add a few stores one store recorder just 11 copies whereas another endered the day with 30. Emails were sent out by corporate requesting staff really try to get 50 pre-orders on Friday alone however people were not turning up to the stores for GTA VI.
What No Disc Means
There are people that buy video games physically to trade them in later once they are done with them. That is what allows people to purchase games at a much cheaper price; the second hand market.
The problem with Grand Theft Auto VI not getting a disc copy means the price will remain high, the barrier to entry continues to rise with the recent console price increases and Rockstar will earn far more money. On top of that, stores like GameStop that rely on the used games market and in-store pre-orders may face more store closures and mass layoffs.
In related news, XBOX revealed they’ve taken record pre-orders with GTA VI. Plus, one reliable leaker does game a disc copy is coming as early as December but other reports say otherwise.
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Have you pre-ordered GTA VI yet? Let us know down in the comment section below.
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