In the wake of Rockstar Games' announcement that GTA 6 would be launching in 2025, the gaming community has been abuzz with speculation. Many fans have pondered whether the studio would opt for a digital-only release, a trend seen among other video game developers in recent times. However, Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Rockstar Games' parent company, Take-Two Interactive, has hinted that this might not be the case for Grand Theft Auto 6. In an interview with IGN, he expressed his belief in the longevity of physical media, even as digital distribution continues to dominate the market.
Fans can look forward to physical copies of GTA 6 along with digital ones
This revelation comes as a relief to some players who prefer owning physical copies of their favorite games. GTA 6, being one of the most highly-anticipated titles, has garnered significant interest from fans eager to secure a physical copy upon release.
Zelnick's comments during the IGN interview shed light on Take-Two Interactive's stance:
"I think I said, I think 10 years ago, I was asked what would be the market share of digital distribution in 10 years and I said, most of it. But there will almost certainly be a physical market that extends for quite a long time."
This statement suggests that GTA 6 may follow in the footsteps of its predecessors and offer both digital and physical versions. Grand Theft Auto 5 achieved remarkable sales figures across both formats, with fans famously queuing up outside stores at midnight to purchase the game.
The recent Take-Two Interactive Q3 2024 report further underscores the enduring appeal of physical copies. Grand Theft Auto 5 has shattered sales records by exceeding 195 million copies sold, a testament to the continued demand for physical media alongside digital distribution. With Take-Two's emphasis on physical media evident, fans can anticipate the availability of a disk version for GTA 6 upon its release. Moreover, Take-Two's trademark filings for merchandise items suggest a commitment to offering tangible goods alongside the game.
There was a time when game studios devoted considerable effort to crafting elaborate covers for DVD copies and including additional goodies like maps or merchandise with physical purchases. Fans are hopeful that Rockstar Games will revive this practice, providing an added incentive for choosing physical over digital. As anticipation builds for the launch of GTA 6, players eagerly await further announcements regarding its release format and any accompanying merchandise. With the support of Take-Two Interactive, the prospect of a physical release adds an extra dimension to the excitement surrounding one of gaming's most iconic franchises.
