PlayStation wants GTA 6 code-in-box format to replace physical game discs at stores

When PlayStation announced it would trim PS5 disc production, it insisted retailers remained part of its plans. During the Q&A for the Q1 2026 earnings report, CFO Lin Tao confirmed that GTA 6 is a model for the future. Instead of traditional physical games, buyers can expect more code-in-box releases on store shelves.

Sony's retail relationships

As the PlayStation Store becomes more dominant, third-party retailers could suffer. Still, Tao anticipates brick-and-mortar locations continuing as critical points of sale. Since the changes won’t take effect until 2028, there is “enough time to be able to listen to various partners’ voices.”

The CFO noted that the GTA 6 code-in-box solution is already common in some regions. Tao said, “without discs in the package there’s a code included, that’s how they sell in North America.” For other areas more loyal to physical games, Sony will encourage a “thorough dialogue so that we can end up in a win-win situation.”

So far, most first-party PS5 games have shipped with Blu-Ray media inside cases. That will still be true in 2027 with titles like God of War Laufey. Yet the Q&A responses suggest that SIE will then follow Rockstar Games' approach.

End of the road for game stores?

Sony also acknowledged the protests from opponents of exclusively digital games. However, with buyers predominantly choosing this format, it has no intention of backtracking. Retailers' reactions have been more mixed, but there are concerns about how the move impacts them.

After learning that the GTA 6 PS5 and Xbox cases would contain only redemption codes, the Canadian Video Games Plus decided against carrying them. Meanwhile, some GameStop employees encountered strong objections from customers. It’s unlikely to hurt Take Two’s revenue significantly, but they reported slower-than-projected sales.

On one hand, physical stores can survive as an alternative to PlayStation Store listings. Even so, it’s unclear whether they can sustain foot traffic with the code-in-box compromise. Lacking PS5 discs, there are fewer reasons not to make more convenient digital purchases. It’s also not possible to sell or trade codes after redeeming, which is a blow to the used-game market.