Rockstar Games Faces Backlash Against GTA 6 “Physical” Release

2013 was the last time we saw a new Grand Theft Auto game. Understandably, fans have been impatiently waiting the official release of Grand Theft Auto VI, which was first delayed to May 26, 2026, and then officially delayed to November 19, 2026. No concrete reasons were given for the delays, but it is presumed to be related to development.

Now, the pre-orders have begun. However, when the pre-order bonuses were revealed, there was something that caused a fair bit of ire among fans. The physical copies of the game, which costs $79.99 in the US, don’t actually come with a physical disc. Rather, it contains a “download code” inside the box. These editions will start shipping on November 12th, 2026, a week ahead of launch. This will allow players to redeem the code and begin preloading the game as an online download.

There is also a $99.99 “Ultimate” Edition, which adds “an exclusive collection of premium vehicles, weapons, apparel, and action threaded across all aspects of Jason and Lucia’s story.”

Fans immediately began reaching out to Rockstar about the lack of a physical disc. In response, they support sent out a vague support email, which said, “Thank you for contacting Rockstar Support. Please note that the current pre-order is indeed just for a digital-only update; you will be able to acquire a physical copy during the following months.”

So when do physical discs release?

It is uncertain exactly what the timeframe for a physical disc will be, or how it will work. The message is also vague on whether it will be just a disc that will be released, since fans have already purchased the physical copy. Given that the game is already priced rather high, and a later release date for a disc will more than likely mean they will need to purchase it again, some fans are understandably displeased with this response.

Some users on X attribute this to leaks, which have been a known issue. “Buy another copy,” said one user. “The reason they aren’t doing physical disc sales at launch is because the game will 100% leak otherwise.”

Ultimately, this release is further proof of just how much the landscape for gaming has changed. Much of it is online now, but that is not what every fan wants. It isn’t always easy to find a middle ground, especially for franchises like GTA.

Despite the issues with the pre-order process, many are still excited to get the first Grand Theft Auto story in over a decade. I’m already prepared to hole myself up in my apartment once the game officially releases.

(Featured image: Rockstar Games)

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