Rumors Indicate GTA 6 Disc Version May Launch as Early as December

For those feeling frustrated by the news that GTA 6 will launch without a physical disc, there may be a glimmer of hope. According to a reliable source, the same one who previously revealed that Rockstar’s latest title would only include a code in the box, it seems this is just for the initial release. They claim that a disc version will hit consoles in December, and Rockstar appears to have confirmed this.

The information comes from Graczdari, a source linked to a Polish site, which states that the disc-less editions will be a limited run. After a few weeks, just in time for the holiday season, players will have the option to purchase a proper physical copy. While any single-sourced claim from an anonymous leaker should be approached with caution, this leaker has a solid track record. Additionally, the site shared a screenshot of an email allegedly from Rockstar Support, stating that players will indeed be able to obtain a physical copy in the coming months.

While we can’t verify the authenticity of this email, the combination of these sources offers some optimism. Rockstar is understandably cautious about leaks, especially with the immense anticipation surrounding Grand Theft Auto. The risk of a disc making its way into the wild before launch is higher than with most games, given the franchise’s popularity.

By shipping an empty box with a code that can only be activated at a specific time, Rockstar is attempting to mitigate this risk. However, this approach leaves players reliant on the console store’s stability, server longevity, and their internet connection. For context, if you want to play the original top-down GTA games today, you either have to navigate DOSBox and download the PC versions illegally or find a physical copy of the PS1 port—something I just did, as without it, those games would be unplayable on any console.

If this rumor holds true, there may be a way to secure a permanent version of the game, though we still don’t know how much additional content might need to be downloaded to play it. This situation could still be a hassle for those buying on day one. Will there be a way for customers to obtain a disc without shelling out another $80?

We’ve reached out to Rockstar for clarification and will provide updates if we hear back.