Abstract:
Rockstar confirmed that the boxed version of "GTA6" will only provide a download code and does not come with a game disc; at the same time, the game's original soundtrack album will be available in CD and vinyl versions. There are still about two months before the game is scheduled to be released on November 19, 2026. This arrangement has caused ridicule and dissatisfaction among players.
This is the first time the series will not include a physical game disc in a retail game box. Previously, series of boxed products also came with paper maps and detailed manuals. This time when players purchase the boxed version in the store, they will get a piece of paper with a download code printed on it.
Publisher Take-Two attributes this choice to device updates and changing consumer habits, citing the increasing popularity of consoles without optical drives as an explanation. After the download code is redeemed, it will be bound to a PlayStation Network or Xbox Network account. Players can no longer lend the game to others, exchange it, or resell it second-hand like using a game disc.
The original soundtrack album is jointly launched by Rockstar and Atlantic Records, and contains 34 original tracks created for the game. The physical record is also scheduled to be released on November 19. Among them, the collector's edition vinyl containing blue liquid sold out within minutes after it was put on the official Rockstar store. Fnac, Cultura and Blood Records also provided exclusive color matching versions.
On September 17, a large number of users questioned the publisher's post about why music can be released on CD and vinyl, but games do not have CDs. The original soundtrack has a physical disk, but the game itself does not. This arrangement is quite ironic.
Some independent retailers also responded. Video Games Plus and French store La Console du Temps have publicly announced a boycott of the game. These merchants rely on second-hand trading business and believe that game boxes containing only download codes will threaten their business model, so they refuse to put them on the shelves.
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