GTA 6 may launch without a physical version

Game collectors may need to brace themselves, as current rumors suggest that GTA 6 may not receive a physical release – at least not initially. The claim originates from Polish insider “Graczdari” and was later echoed by Insider Gaming. While Rockstar and Take-Two have yet to confirm anything officially, skipping a physical edition at launch does not seem far-fetched. Rather than sidelining collectors, the move would likely be a strategic decision aimed at reducing the risk of further leaks.

Rockstar has faced its share of issues with leaks in the past. In 2022, extensive development footage of GTA 6 surfaced online, and more recently, the game’s first trailer was released ahead of schedule following a leak. In both cases, Rockstar lost control over the timing and presentation of key reveals. It is therefore understandable that the company is keen to avoid similar incidents in the future. Physical copies pose a particular risk, as retailers have previously put games on sale too early or inadvertently leaked details through other channels.

The absence of a physical edition would not only frustrate collectors, who might be forced to buy the game twice or miss out on playing at launch, but would also pose a major challenge for players with slow internet connections. With GTA 6 expected to weigh in at around 200 gigabytes, downloading the game could be a significant hurdle. On Reddit, many fans have voiced their disappointment, accusing Rockstar of pursuing a so-called “triple dip” strategy designed to maximize profits – first releasing the game digitally, followed by a physical edition, and later a technically enhanced PC version. At the same time, some users have taken a more sympathetic view, arguing that the decision is likely driven by the need to maintain control over what could become the biggest game release in years.