Grand Theft Auto 6 is poised to dominate the year’s gaming landscape, yet two major retailers have already declined to stock it, citing its lack of a physical disc and its exclusive digital launch.
On June 24, Rockstar Games announced that the title will retail for $80, with the physical edition reduced to a blank case containing only a download code. While this approach may curb leaks, it also prevents retailers such as GameStop from reselling used copies—thereby protecting Take‑Two’s revenue stream. Consequently, two retailers dedicated to physical media have taken a firm stance, opting not to carry the game at its November release.
Earlier this week, Video Games Plus—a North American retailer with a 30‑year legacy—issued a statement on X affirming that, even amid the anticipated blockbuster launch of GTA 6, it will uphold its longstanding policy of refusing to stock titles lacking a physical medium.
VGP emphasized, “For almost four decades, we have championed physical media and safeguarded the worth of owning tangible game copies. In line with this dedication, we do not carry console titles that are delivered solely as digital download codes. Given the current information, the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X releases of Grand Theft Auto VI are expected to be code‑in‑box products. Accordingly, VGP will not offer it under our existing policy.”
VGP has clarified that its recent decision does not reflect any criticism of Grand Theft Auto VI itself; the retailer maintains profound respect for Rockstar Games and the monumental achievement the title represents. Nonetheless, the company will not be offering the game through its online storefront or Canadian retail locations at this time. VGP added that should Rockstar eventually release a tangible edition complete with a disc, they would gladly stock and support that version for their customers.
We are monitoring the situation surrounding GTA 6’s physical release over the next 24 hours. While definitive details remain pending, if the prevailing reports that the game will arrive as a code in a box prove accurate, we will not support its launch.
Loot Box Gaming, a retailer dedicated to physical media, has announced that it will likewise refrain from selling GTA 6 at launch unless a disc-based version is available.
“We’re closely following the GTA 6 physical release situation over the next 24 hours. We’ve yet to receive full details on our end, but assuming information about it being a code in a box is true, we will not be supporting the release of GTA 6,” LBG stated. “When we started LBG, it was out of a love for our favorite form of media, gaming, as well as the preservation of said media. If a product can’t honor the people who pay their hard‑earned money to purchase it, then we have no business trying to sell it to our customers whom we value above anything else.”
When a retailer declined to stock the highly anticipated GTA 6, some fans speculated that the move could hurt Rockstar Games’ sales. The publisher quickly clarified that it has no intention of influencing the game’s performance or its future success.
“We wish GTA 6 achieves extraordinary success and lives up to its reputation as the biggest game ever, but we must also adhere to our established business practices,” LBG stated.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why are retailers refusing to sell Grand Theft Auto 6?
Retailers are refusing to stock GTA 6 because the game will be released without a physical disc, only as a blank case containing a download code. This format prevents the resale of used copies, which would reduce Take‑Two’s revenue, and conflicts with retailers’ policies that favor physical media.
What does the physical edition of GTA 6 look like?
The physical edition will be a blank case with no disc inside; it will contain only a download code that players can redeem to access the game digitally. The case is essentially a placeholder for the digital content.
How will the lack of a physical disc affect the secondary market for used games?
Because the game can only be played via a digital download code, used copies cannot be resold. This means that players who buy the game will not be able to sell it later, limiting the secondary market and ensuring that revenue stays with the publisher rather than passing to used‑game retailers.
News Source: Kotaku
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