After Take-Two promised a GTA 6 physical copy, disc-less pre-order disappoints

Rockstar Games has finally revealed the GTA 6 pre-order options and price. Unfortunately, buyers expecting a physical copy with a disc are crying foul. The $79.99 standard edition will appear at retailers, but with a code in the box instead. Some gamers are now reexamining Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick’s comments about efforts to avoid leaks.

Did Zelnick mislead followers?

Fans had speculated that Rockstar and Take-Two would embrace a digital-only approach. Not having Xbox or PS5 discs at stores before the GTA 6 release date might prevent spoilers or piracy. In February, when asked about delaying a physical copy for this reason, Zelnick responded, “That’s not the plan.”

More recently, in May, the CEO teased that the title would launch with a “big physical component.” Technically, the executive told the truth. With the standard and ultimate editions, buyers can collect a case to celebrate the arrival of the open-world crime epic. Yet, its large physical presence doesn’t involve the Blu-Ray format.

Other gamers regret that, as some rumors suggested, the entry-level GTA 6 price is $80. Nintendo already crossed the $70 threshold with select first-party games. Microsoft then followed their lead before having second thoughts. The fact that Rockstar is not offering discs or discounts on the digital version adds to this frustration.

Downsides of going digital

As with past titles, the new Grand Theft Auto threatens to consume players for weeks, months, or longer. The latest open world looks vast enough to welcome non-mission-based exploration. Yet, there's no confirmation of a multiplayer add-on, and buyers won’t be able to resell their purchases once they complete the single-player campaign.

Another worry is that after hesitating, more publishers and studios will settle on the $80 price point. Even so, with record GTA 6 pre-order sales anticipated, other games may suffer more from a higher cost.

It’s not impossible that gamers could see a physical copy in the future. Once the release date passes, the threat of leaks fades considerably. Still, for now, preservationists feel like digital gaming proponents have scored a key victory.