Retailers refuse to sell GTA 6 physical edition as it has no disc

Two video game retailers have announced they will not stock the physical edition of Grand Theft Auto VI after Rockstar confirmed that boxed copies will contain a digital download code rather than a game disc.

The decision follows Rockstar's announcement on June 24 that physical copies of GTA 6 will include a code for digital download instead of a traditional disc. The game is scheduled to launch on November 19 with a listed price of $79.99.

Canadian retailer Video Games Plus (VGP), which has been in operation for nearly 40 years, said the release does not meet its current stocking policy.

“Our company policy is that we do not carry physical products for video game consoles that contain only a digital download code,” the retailer said in a statement posted on X.

The company added that it has “tremendous respect for Rockstar Games” but would not offer the title online or in-store unless a disc-based version becomes available.

US retailer Loot Box Gaming also stated that it would not stock GTA 6 if reports regarding the code-in-box format prove accurate.

“When we started LBG, it was out of a love for our favorite form of media,” the company wrote. It added that selling a product that does not “honor the people who pay their hard-earned money” would conflict with its business values.

After one social media user suggested the decision would have little impact on Rockstar's sales, the retailer responded, “We hope GTA 6 has immense success, but we can’t go against our business practices in the process either.”

Neither retailer represents a major portion of the game's expected sales, but their decisions reflect concerns expressed by some players following Rockstar's announcement.

Prior to the confirmation, there had been speculation that Rockstar might delay a physical release altogether in an effort to limit leaks before launch.

The code-in-box approach appears to be the company's chosen alternative, although reactions from parts of the gaming community have been mixed.

GTA 6 is currently scheduled for release on November 19.