When Rockstar Games opened pre-orders for GTA 6 on June 25, one detail immediately caught fans off guard.

While the game is available in both digital and “physical” editions, the boxed version doesn’t actually include a game disc instead, buyers receive a download code inside the case.

For collectors, it was a disappointing compromise.

Now, hopes of a true disc-based release have taken another hit, as multiple reports suggest Rockstar currently has no plans to manufacture physical GTA 6 discs, either at launch or in the months that follow.

The confusion began shortly after pre-orders went live when a Rockstar Support email surfaced online.

In the message, a support representative told a fan they would be able to “acquire a physical copy during the following months.”

Many players interpreted that response as confirmation that a traditional disc version would arrive after launch, with some even speculating that it could release before the end of the year.

However, those expectations were quickly dampened.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, a source familiar with Rockstar’s plans said the support email had been misunderstood.

The phrase “physical copy” referred only to the already-announced code-in-a-box edition, while “the following months” meant the period after pre-orders became available—not after the game’s release.

The source also reportedly stated that Rockstar has no current plans to print GTA 6 discs, either for launch or in the months afterwards.

That clarification was echoed by several major gaming outlets, including IGN, Eurogamer, GameSpot, and Video Games Chronicle, effectively putting the December disc rumours to rest.

Although Rockstar hasn’t publicly explained the decision, industry analysts believe several factors likely influenced the move.

One of the biggest is security. Rockstar has built a reputation for keeping GTA 6 under tight wraps, and physical discs have historically been a major source of leaks when retailers break release dates or copies appear early.

A downloadable code that only activates on release day dramatically reduces that risk.

There are also clear financial incentives.

Manufacturing, packaging and shipping millions of discs is expensive, particularly for a game that could require multiple discs due to its enormous file size.

Selling a boxed download code allows Rockstar to keep a retail presence while significantly reducing production costs.

Another major advantage is eliminating the second-hand market.

Unlike a physical disc, a digital code can’t be resold, traded or rented after it’s has been redeemed.

That gives Rockstar and platform holders much greater control over pricing, allowing them to maintain the game’s premium price for longer without competing against used copies.

Unsurprisingly, the decision has divided fans.

Many players argue that a game as significant as GTA 6 deserves a proper physical release, especially for collectors who value owning a disc.

Others have also raised concerns about game preservation and ownership, noting that digital purchases are licences tied to online platforms rather than physical products that can be played independently.

On the other hand, some fans acknowledge that the industry has steadily shifted towards digital distribution, making Rockstar’s decision less surprising even if it’s unpopular.

For now, Rockstar and publisher Take-Two have not publicly commented on the reports or announced any plans to release a disc version in the future.

While that could always change if demand proves high enough, there is currently no indication that a traditional physical edition is on the way.

Unless Rockstar changes course, players planning to jump into Grand Theft Auto 6 on 19 November should expect to download the game even if they purchase it in a box from their local retailer.