Take-Two CEO reconfirms GTA 6 physical release, with collector's edition rumored

In February, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick denied a report claiming there would be no GTA 6 physical release. Even facing the risk of leaks, in a new interview, the executive says its release date will have a “big physical component”. His comments only fuel speculation that collector’s editions or PS5 console bundles are also planned.

The GTA 6 impact on storefronts

Following the publisher’s May 21st earnings call, Zelnick spoke with CNBC about the company’s finances. SquawkGamingYT shared a clip of the conversation, which focused on the changing gaming landscape. The CEO explained how an overwhelming percentage of revenue now comes from digital purchases. Regardless, the Rockstar Games project should still benefit from physical sales.

Fans had hoped that a Best Buy affiliate email would signal GTA 6 pre-orders beginning on May 18th. That didn’t happen, but Take-Two did reconfirm the game’s release date in its investors update. While boxed copies are anticipated for the PS5 and Xbox, collectors are anticipating limited-time buying opportunities.

DetectiveSeeds, who admittedly doesn’t have the best track record for leaks, predicted there would be 6 SKUs to choose from. Gamers may see various physical and digital options, including a collector’s edition with bonuses. Using Red Dead Redemption 2 and GTA 5 as examples, a steelbook or map of Leonida is a possibility.

Zelnick didn’t commit to a price for any version of the Rockstar Games title. Earlier, he hinted at a “fair” cost given the value that the open-world experience brings. That said, a special edition with trinkets is likely to demand well more than $100 from fans.

The endless wait for pre-orders

Console bundles are another way to encourage foot traffic at retailers. Reeling from price increases, analysts expect the game to reinvigorate hardware sales. A PS5 or PS5 Pro configuration makes the most sense, with indications of a Take-Two and PlayStation partnership.

Gamers may finally learn more about GTA 6 pre-orders when a marketing campaign begins. During the earnings call, Zelnick reaffirmed that promotions would start this summer, although some leaks suggest that the third trailer may debut sooner.