Amid online backlash to Grand Theft Auto 6's physical version only including a digital code, at least two retailers have vowed not to stock copies of the game unless Rockstar changes course. Pre-orders for GTA 6 went live on June 24, 2026, confirming the base game will cost £70 and an Ultimate Edition with extra content will cost £90. However, many were disappointed to learn that physical copies of GTA 6 are not physical at all, as they only come with a digital code rather than a disc, prompting widespread negative feedback.
Retailers take a stand against code-only boxes
American retailer Loot Box Gaming announced on X that it will not support the launch of GTA 6. Despite cutting off a lucrative revenue stream, the company stated it staunchly believes in the preservation of physical media. 'If a product can't honour 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 added. Shortly after, Canadian retailer VGP followed suit, citing a strict policy against selling digital codes in boxes. '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,' VGP said. The retailer added it would be happy to stock GTA 6 if Rockstar and Take-Two release a true physical version with a disc.
Mixed reactions and petitions
Responses to both statements have been mixed. Many praised the retailers for supporting physical media and their customers, while others mocked the effort as futile given GTA 6's massive hype. Loot Box Gaming acknowledged this, framing its decision as a matter of principle rather than an attempt to damage sales. Several petitions have since emerged to convince Take-Two and Rockstar to release a proper physical version. One petition by Canadian retailer PNP Games highlights that the lack of a disc prevents lending or reselling copies, effectively eliminating the second-hand market.
Rumour of a December disc release
Polish website PPE.pl claims to have heard from a reliable source that a physical version with a disc is already planned for December 2026, about a month after GTA 6's launch. The source previously predicted in January that GTA 6 would not have a physical version at launch, which has proven accurate. However, Rockstar and Take-Two face little pressure to release a disc version. Digital games have outsold physical games for years, and anticipation among casual audiences is so high that many are expected to buy GTA 6 regardless of format. On ResetEra, numerous commenters admitted they would purchase the game despite disliking the decision, citing their fervent support for physical media.
Map concerns and tradition
It remains unclear whether GTA 6's physical version will include a real map of the game's setting, Leonida, a tradition Rockstar upheld with previous GTA games and Red Dead Redemption. Given that physical copies lack a disc, some ResetEra users expect no map, joking that it might also be digital and require a separate download code.
