Take-Two defends GTA 6's no-disc retail edition as PlayStation shifts away from discs

Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick says Grand Theft Auto 6's retail package is going disc-free for a simple reason: that is what most players want from a big release today. Rockstar Games confirmed that the game's boxed edition will include a GTA 6-branded box with a digital download code instead of a traditional disc, while the game already has an Xbox page and a PlayStation Store listing.

Zelnick argued that discs no longer make much sense for consumers. He said Take-Two's business is well over 90% digitally distributed, and added that in most cases players have to register online to play anyway, which makes the difference between a disc and a download much smaller.

The Take-Two chief also said GTA 6 pre-orders are exceptional, but stressed that the game has not sold a unit yet because pre-orders can be canceled. He added that Take-Two may still release physical editions now and then, even if the company's current direction is clearly digital-first.

Some stores have already pushed back, saying they will not carry GTA 6 unless Rockstar offers a disc. At the same time, Sony said it will stop releasing new PlayStation games on discs from 2028, putting Rockstar's decision in line with where the platform itself appears to be headed.

Zelnick also said Rockstar and Netflix will present an extended look at GTA 6 on August 27. The game itself is still scheduled for release on November 19, 2026.

Are no-disc retail editions the future for big games, or will store pushback force publishers to keep physical copies alive?