Zelnick says GTA 6 on a disc doesn't make sense, but he's not ruling it out later
Caught the IGN interview with Strauss Zelnick and he basically confirmed what we all suspected. GTA 6 is digital-only at launch. No disc. Just a code in a box if you want something to put on your shelf.
He said discs "don't really make sense for the consumer" anymore, which I get. Over 90% of Take-Two's sales are digital now. Most games need a connection anyway. So why press a disc that's just a coaster after the day-one patch? Still stings a little for those of us who like having a physical collection.
The interesting bit is he didn't completely shut the door on a disc version later. "I wouldn't rule out anything at this stage of the game," he said. So maybe a year down the line we get a special edition with a disc, like a vinyl release for music nerds. He actually made that comparison, said physical games will be a niche thing like vinyl.
He also made it clear this wasn't about Sony phasing out discs in 2028. Just a business decision that'll probably make them more money. And honestly, with an $80 price tag and no manufacturing costs for discs, I can see why they'd go this route.
I'm still gonna grab a code-in-box for the shelf. Something about having a physical case for a game this big just feels right, even if there's no disc inside.
Source: GameSpot · Curated content.