After Rockstar announced details of GTA 6 yesterday, fans were upset by the game’s ‘code-in-a-box’ format instead of a disc. An insider may have just changed things.
Fans took to the internet up in arms immediately following the details drop on GTA 6 yesterday. Namely, over the decision Rockstar made to include a ‘code-in-a-box’ over an actual physical copy of the game inside a case. Fans in physical collecting communities were quick to condemn the decision, and on most forums, general consumers found it bewildering. Fans on Reddit say, “Now it’s just a skip for sure,” based on the decision for GTA 6, and other games yet to be released are being questioned about whether they will release with a physical copy.
Insomniac Games (the makers of Spider-Man and the upcoming Wolverine) answered a question quickly after the ‘code-in-a-box’ controversy hit, where a fan asked the developers if Wolverine would have a disc in the case at launch. Insomniac Games posted a gameplay snippet showing Wolverine kicking an enemy off a moving vehicle, and a fan commented under the post, “Will this game be physical or a code in a box?” Insomniac promptly replied, “The physical version will include a disc in box.” The fan responded, “We need more people like ya!” and said they’re purchasing it on day one. It’s safe to say fans like physical copies.
Following this X (formerly Twitter) exchange, Rockstar Games allegedly sent out support emails to those who had reached out for comment regarding the discless physical launch. According to VICE (and a screenshot provided on the site), the support email says, “Thank you for contacting Rockstar Support. Please note that the current pre-order is indeed just for a digital-only update; you will be able to acquire a physical copy during the following months.”
The Polish site, PPE.pl, corroborated the support email (which had previously made the initial claim that GTA 6 would not have a physical version on release day) and reported that this decision was made to stifle leaks of the game before launch. Over the past few years, many games have leaked due to their physical copies being released early, and it appears Rockstar Games wanted to avoid that potential issue. The insider, Graczdari, claimed (via Google Translate) the code-in-a-box launch will be for the initial run, and then copies produced afterwards will be actual physical discs, which are set to arrive in December.
It’s worth mentioning that, although there are screenshots of the email in question and insider Graczdari has had accurate reports about game releases before, Rockstar Games has yet to issue a formal response regarding the physical GTA 6 release. Fans should take the news with a grain of salt until an official announcement is made.
