The Daily Populous Thursday June 25th, 2026 morning edition
Authored by ign.com and submitted by EducationalGift2676

Two video game retailers have announced that they will not be selling Grand Theft Auto 6 due to the highly anticipated title not releasing on a disc.

Video Games Plus, a gaming retailer based out of Canada, and an independent gaming retailer known as Loot Box Gaming have both stated that they won't be selling GTA 6. Rockstar Games confirmed this morning that GTA 6's physical version will not include a disc. Instead, players will be able to pick up a boxed copy that includes a digital code. The physical version will release on November 12, a week ahead of the game's release, so that players can pre-download the game using the code.

Video Game Plus pointed to its policy of not selling games that only offer digital codes, and as a result, it will not sell the biggest game of 2026. The retailer noted that this isn't a reflection of Rockstar Games or the game itself, but argued that it's part of their goal of preserving physical media.

GTA 6 Ultimate Edition Screenshots View 51 Images

“For nearly 40 years, VGP has been committed to supporting physical media and preserving the value of physical game ownership,” reads a statement from VGP. “As part of that commitment, our company policy is that we do not carry physical products for video game consoles that contain only a digital download code. Based on the information currently available, the physical release of Grand Theft Auto 6 for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X is expected to be a code-in-box product. As a result, VGP will not be offering it for sale under our current company policy.”

Loot Box Gaming echoed a similar philosophy, noting that since GTA 6 doesn't come with a disc, it won't sell the game.

"When we started LBG, it was out of a love for our favorite form of media, gaming, as-well as the preservation of said media," said the company. "If a product can’t honor the people who pay their hard-earned money to purchase it, then we have no business trying to sell it to our customers whom we value above anything else."

GTA 6 Vintage Vice City Pack Screenshots View 12 Images

GTA 6's lack of a disc appears to be a security measure from Rockstar Games in order to prevent leaks and control access to the game ahead of launch. Given that it's arguably the most anticipated release in entertainment history, there are concerns that the game could get taken from a manufacturing plant, fall off a truck, or be sold early by retailers, leading to leaks. Perhaps Rockstar will release a physical version with a disc in 2027 once all the hype has died down.

Major retailers like GameStop, Amazon, and Best Buy will likely carry the game in November, as they aren't known to have issues with physical games that substitute a digital code over a disc. Of course, you'll also be able to buy the game from the Xbox and PlayStation stores if you want to cut out the middleman.

GTA 6 preorders have officially begun in New Zealand and will continue to roll out as the clock strikes midnight in various regions. The standard edition of the game will cost $79.99, but there will also be an Ultimate Edition for $99.99. The Ultimate Edition has been the subject of controversy, as it will provide exclusive access to certain stores, missions, cars, weapons, and cosmetic items in-game.

GTA 6 will release on November 19 for Xbox Series X|S and PS5.

Cade Onder is a freelancer for IGN's news team. He covers all things entertainment, including gaming, film, and more. You can find him on Twitter @Cade_Onder.

jcdoe on June 24th, 2026 at 20:55 UTC »

No disc means no resale market. That’s bad for shops.

tacticalcraptical on June 24th, 2026 at 20:51 UTC »

I mean, why even sell something retail at all if it's just a box with a key for an online store front?

EducationalGift2676 on June 24th, 2026 at 20:44 UTC »

The stores in question: Video Games Plus and Loot Box Gaming