GTA 6 Physical Copies in Japan Will Have an Expiration Date

When Grand Theft Auto 6 drops this November, it’s going to be a bit unconventional—there won’t be any discs. Instead, the physical editions will just include a code in a box. It’s a quirky move, but things get even weirder in Japan. Due to local regulations, the codes found in Japanese versions of GTA 6 will expire after 170 days.

Recently, a columnist uncovered hints that the codes for GTA 6 in Japan might have a limited lifespan. Initially, there was uncertainty about whether this applied to just DLC or the full game. However, it’s now confirmed that Japanese physical copies of GTA 6 will come with a single code that expires after 170 days. This confusion seems unnecessary, especially since Rockstar’s support site clearly outlines the details.

According to the support page for GTA 6, pre-ordered physical copies will include “one code” that provides access to a digital download of the full game along with a pre-order cosmetic pack. If you grab a physical copy at retail without pre-ordering, it will still contain just one code, but without the cosmetic pack. Notably, there’s no physical version (just a code in a box) for the $100 Ultimate Edition.

So, it’s evident that all physical copies of GTA 6 will have a single code, whether pre-ordered or not. In Japan, that code will become invalid 170 days after the game’s release on November 19, meaning that by May 8, 2027, any physical copies sold at launch will be essentially useless.

As highlighted, this situation likely stems from a Japanese law concerning digital codes and assets. The Japan Payment Services Act mandates that companies selling prepaid goods or services must deposit at least half the value of each item with the Japan Legal Affairs Bureau to protect consumers from fraud or company bankruptcies. However, companies can sidestep this requirement if the prepaid code expires within six months of issuance. Coincidentally, 170 days is just shy of that six-month mark.

It’s a bizarre scenario, but it seems plausible that this law has created a situation where physical game copies lose their value after a few months. As we continue to transition toward a more digital gaming landscape, this kind of oddity may become more common, especially as the industry tries to balance the needs of retailers and gamers who still prefer physical media.