Two Retailers Are Refusing to Sell GTA 6 Because There's No Disc

Video Games Plus and Loot Box Gaming have both announced they won't carry GTA 6 at launch — because Rockstar's physical release is a code-in-a-box with no disc. Rockstar confirmed the format on June 24 alongside the game's $79.99 price tag, and the news immediately drew pushback from retailers committed to physical media.

Video Games Plus, a Canadian chain with nearly 40 years in the business, cited its standing policy against selling console products that contain only a download code. "Based on the information currently available, the physical release of Grand Theft Auto VI 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," the retailer wrote. VGP was clear this isn't a knock on Rockstar or the game itself, and said it would happily stock a disc version if one ever materializes. Loot Box Gaming, an independent US retailer, took a similar stance, framing the decision around preserving physical media and respecting customers who spend real money on a product they can't actually own. The physical box will be available from November 12 — a week before the November 19 launch — so buyers can pre-load using the included code.

Rockstar's reasoning for going disc-free is widely understood as a leak-prevention measure. GTA 6 is arguably the most anticipated game ever made, and a disc in circulation weeks before launch would be an obvious security risk. The format also conveniently eliminates the used game market for the title, since there's nothing to resell. Major retailers like GameStop, Amazon, and Best Buy are expected to stock the code-in-box version without issue. GTA 6 launches November 19 on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S as a single-player game, with a $99.99 Ultimate Edition also available that bundles exclusive vehicles, weapons, apparel, and story-threaded content.