GTA 6’s physical edition comes as a download code in a box, available for preloading a week early.

Rockstar Games has revealed that physical copies of Grand Theft Auto 6 will not include a disc. Instead, they will feature a download code inside the packaging, as detailed in the announcement regarding pre-orders, pricing, and the Ultimate Edition along with its bonuses.

To ensure that players who choose the physical edition aren’t left behind on launch day, Rockstar is taking the unusual step of releasing these physical copies on November 12, a week before the official game launch on November 19. This means players can redeem their download codes and begin preloading the game simultaneously with those who opt for the digital version. Preloading will also kick off on November 12.

Collectors of physical games may feel let down by the absence of a hard copy for GTA 6, but the early release of the code-in-a-box edition is a thoughtful gesture.

What does this tell us? It suggests that GTA 6 will have a substantial file size. The PlayStation 5 utilizes triple-layer Blu-ray discs that can hold up to 100 GB, and it’s uncommon for games to be released on multiple discs, though there are exceptions like Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, the Complete Edition of Horizon Forbidden West, and Baldur’s Gate 3. The Xbox Series X, on the other hand, only supports 50 GB discs, with Baldur’s Gate 3 requiring at least four discs on that platform.

GTA 6 is anticipated to be even larger than these titles, potentially exceeding 200 GB and necessitating a minimum of three discs for PS5 and possibly up to five for Xbox Series X. Rockstar may have opted against the high manufacturing costs or the logistical challenges of packaging multiple discs.

While sales of physical game editions are declining, they still represent about 30% of sales on PlayStation, a figure that would likely be higher for a blockbuster title like GTA 6.

The decision to go with a code-in-a-box format is disappointing for some, but if the game is indeed over 200 GB, a week should be sufficient to download it… right?

Get your C-notes ready, gamers!