Rockstar Games has announced that the physical copies of GTA 6 will not have a disc included in the box. Instead it will include a download code in the box, available for purchase starting November 12th. This has caused some controversy and turmoil across the community, that has now also spread to retailers.

‘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.’ States Video Game Plus, an independent video game retailer in North America on X. ‘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.’

VGP states that it doesn’t want to block selling the game because they holde a grudge against Rockstar: ‘We want to be clear that this decision is not a reflection of the game itself. 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.’

Why is no disc a big deal?

Though not explicitly mentioned, it would make sense to assume that download codes don’t fall under the retailers policy because the more game publishers stop printing discs, the less control the retailer (and consumer) has over sold units. To give an example you won’t be able to resell your copy of GTA 6, or sell it for a reduced pice. Not only that, you won’t be able to play the game without an internet connection, reducing the possibility of local game preservation.

Another retailer that has decided to not sell GTA 6 is Loot Box Gaming, an independent video game store located in the US. ‘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 box is true, we will not be supporting the release of GTA 6.’ This retailer takes a more firm stance against Rockstar Games.

‘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.’

While it’s unfortunate that GTA 6 physical edition won’t come with a disc, it does give everyone a fair chance to play at the same time and prevent any major leaks. Rockstar Games have announced that pre-orders for Grand Theft Auto VI begin at midnight local time on June 25th. This means they will occur at midnight wherever you live.

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