Leaks and discussions about Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6), one of the most anticipated productions in the gaming world, continue unabated.

The fact that there was no physical disc in the boxed versions of the game, which was recently put up for pre-order, and only included a download code, created a great disappointment among gamers.

Especially collectors and players who wanted to value or trade the game second-hand had hope that Rockstar Games would release a disc version in the future.

In fact, PPE, a Poland-based gaming platform, claimed that a version with a physical disc would be on the shelves in December.

However, a new and solid report published by The Hollywood Reporter (THR) completely dashes these hopes. According to sources, Rockstar and Take-Two Interactive have no plans to print a physical disc for GTA 6, either during or after the launch period.

Why Is There No Disc In The GTA 6 Box?

The first rumors that emerged in January suggested that Rockstar Games was planning a completely digital launch in order to prevent story details from leaking before the release date.

Although the company did not directly confirm these arguments at that time, the pre-order process that started in the past few days brought the bitter truth to light. Users find a download code valid only for the PlayStation Store or Xbox store in the standard physical boxes they purchase from stores or online retailers.

This is a big blow for collectors who have been collecting physical games for years and for those who advocate the protection of physical media.

Some foreign-based independent retailers, such as Video Games Plus and Loot Box Gaming, have even announced that they will not list GTA 6 due to their policy of not selling game boxes containing only digital codes.

These stores argue that physical discs are critical to protect player rights and game history.

However, this move by Rockstar is considered a logical commercial step taken to eliminate increasing disc production, transportation and storage costs and to secure the high profit margin brought by digital sales.

December Rumors and THR’s Denials

Another argument that resonated in game forums and platforms such as Reddit came about PPE.

According to this claim, it was said that the disc version would be released as a surprise in December, shortly after the main release on November 19.

People were pointing to some automatic response notifications claiming to be from the Rockstar support team saying “a physical copy will be available in the coming months” as evidence for this argument.

However, the latest information obtained by The Hollywood Reporter from reliable sources in the department makes it clear that this is not the case at all.

The report states unequivocally that, “Currently, there are no plans to print GTA 6 discs either at launch or months after launch.” It is thought that the term “physical copy” used by the support group does not actually mean a disk, but only an empty plastic box.

Physical Game Sales Are in Historic Decline

Market dynamics and changing consumer habits actually play a big role behind Rockstar Games’ radical decision, which angered the players.A.

According to research company Circana’s (formerly NPD) data, physical game spending in the USA will decline to $1.5 billion in 2025, the lowest level recorded since 1995.

This shocking number represents a whopping 87 percent decline from its peak of $11.6 billion in 2008, during the market’s heyday.

A similar and striking picture remains valid for the European market.

According to information from the UK-based Entertainment Retail Association, the rate of boxed games sold in the country decreased by 35 percent in 2024 and currently accounts for only 27 percent of total game sales.

Industry analyst Mat Piscatella states that the slowdown in this downward momentum is not a sign of improvement, on the contrary, the physical market has “hit the bottom” and there is no room left to fall further.

The fact that even GTA 6, which is expected to be one of the greatest entertainment works in video game history and is sure to sell millions of copies, has given up on physical discs altogether, clearly proves that an era is about to end in the gaming world.

While the possibility of the next generation of consoles coming completely discless increases day by day, the only consolation left for collectors for now seems to be having a plastic box that they can display on the shelf, even if it is empty inside.