physical gta 6 copies in japan expire after 170 days, what's the deal?

Caught this on Insider Gaming. In Japan, the physical editions of GTA 6 have a 170-day expiration date. Like, the disc just stops working after that. I had to read it twice.

I know we're deep in the era where a disc is basically a download token, but this feels different. 170 days is weirdly specific. Not six months, not a year. 170 days. Maybe it's tied to some online activation window? Rockstar hasn't explained it yet, but it's confirmed for the Japanese release.

I'm not in Japan so it doesn't hit me directly, but I've got friends who import special editions. Imagine paying extra for the physical map and steelbook, then the disc turns into a coaster before summer 2027. That stings. I get that the online component might need a check-in, but the single-player? Come on.

It makes me wonder if other regions will see something similar. Probably not, since Japan's market has its own quirks, but still. I remember when you could buy a game and it was yours forever. Now it's like renting with extra steps. Anyway, if you're planning to import, keep an eye on that date. Would suck to unseal a collector's item and find out it's already dead.

Source: Insider Gaming · Curated content.

I finished San Andreas 100% three times because the disc stayed in my tray for years. A 170-day kill switch on a single-player campaign defeats the whole point of physical ownership. If I'm importing the Ultimate Edition for that steelbook and map, I expect the Leonida story to stay playable in 2036, not just until summer 2027. Rockstar needs to clarify if it's a regional quirk or the new standard.

A 170-day kill switch on a single-player campaign defeats the whole point of physical ownership.

Yeah that number is super weird, not even a clean six months. Here in Brazil we always get some regional rule that makes no sense too, so maybe is tied to some Japanese regulation or CERO thing? I don't know. But if I'm paying Ultimate Edition money for that steelbook and map, I want to pop the disc in 2028 just to drive around Leonida or Mount Kalaga, no online check-in needed. Feels like you're renting the plastic instead of buying it. My friend imports a lot and he's already nervous about this. Hope Rockstar clears it up soon.