Fans hoping to add a disc to their Grand Theft Auto 6 collection will be disappointed: Rockstar Games has confirmed that physical copies of the blockbuster title will contain a code for a digital download rather than a disc. The game will cost $79.99 for the standard edition, with a premium 'Ultimate Edition' priced at $99.99. The UK price is yet to be announced; the BBC has asked Rockstar for regional pricing.
Freelance video games journalist Vic Hood described the standard price as 'fairly reasonable', but said the lack of a disc may 'irk some physical collectors'. She added that the decision made sense from Rockstar's perspective, 'as it reduces the amount of rebuying and reselling and helps prevent leaks'. Some fans questioned the point of buying a physical copy without a disc, and others queried whether they could resell the game or share the code. However, the $10 increase over the typical $70 price tag for blockbuster games seemed less controversial. One fan posted: '$10 won't be such a big hit to consumers pockets, but I still hope $80 won't become the norm.'
“Rockstar confirms GTA 6 physical edition will not include a disc, pricing standard edition at $79.99.”
When GTA 5 launched in 2013, it cost $59.99. The long-awaited sequel has been in development since at least February 2022, when Rockstar confirmed work was underway after the Covid-19 pandemic. Pre-orders open at midnight local time on 25 June. The game will be released on 19 November for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S. Players who pre-order digitally can begin pre-loading the game on 12 November, while physical pre-orders will also be available from that date to support pre-loading.
Joost van Dreunen, a professor of games business at NYU Stern, called the pricing a 'clever strategy' by Rockstar and its parent company Take-Two, saying: 'Take-Two is catering to the largest possible audience while offering die-hards an upgraded tier.' The Ultimate Edition adds extra vehicles, weapons and outfits. Whether the disc-less physical edition and higher price point signal a broader industry shift remains to be seen.