Two Game Retailers Will Only Stock GTA 6 with a Physical Disc Release

Grand Theft Auto 6 is set to be the most anticipated game of the year, but two retailers have announced they won’t be carrying it. The reason? GTA 6 will launch as a digital-only title, with no physical disc available.

On June 24, it was revealed that GTA 6 will retail for $80, but physical copies will only contain an empty box with a download code. This strategy likely aims to prevent leaks and also benefits shareholders by eliminating the resale market, which can cut into profits. As a result, two retailers dedicated to physical gaming have decided to stand firm and not sell GTA 6 when it drops in November.

Video Games Plus, a North American retailer with over 30 years of history, confirmed via a statement on X that despite the massive hype surrounding GTA 6, they will uphold their policy against selling games that lack a physical copy.

“For nearly 40 years, VGP has been committed to supporting physical media and preserving the value of physical game ownership,” the statement read. “Our policy is to not carry physical products for video game consoles that only include a digital download code. Based on current information, the physical release of Grand Theft Auto VI for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X is expected to be a code-in-box product. Therefore, VGP will not be offering it for sale under our current company policy.”

VGP emphasized that this decision is not a reflection on the game itself, expressing “tremendous respect for Rockstar Games and the incredible achievement that Grand Theft Auto VI represents.” However, they will not be selling it in their Canadian stores or online. “If Rockstar ever releases a physical edition with a disc, we would be happy to carry and support that version for our customers,” they added.

Loot Box Gaming, another retailer focused on physical media, has also stated they won’t sell GTA 6 at launch if it’s not available on a disc.

“We’re closely monitoring the GTA 6 physical release situation. While we await more details, if it turns out to be a code in a box, we will not support the release of GTA 6,” LBG stated. “Our company was founded out of a passion for gaming and the preservation of physical media. If a product doesn’t respect the customers who invest their hard-earned money, we can’t in good conscience sell it.”

When a commenter suggested that the small retailer’s decision wouldn’t impact Rockstar Games or the game’s sales, LBG clarified that they’re not trying to influence the game’s success.

“We hope GTA 6 achieves immense success and lives up to the hype, but we can’t compromise our business practices in the process,” LBG concluded.