Wondering why GTA 6 is a code in a box? Take-Two CEO says its because gaming is now well over 90% digital

Date:
Fri, 07 Aug 2026 16:20:33 +0000

Description:
Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick has defended the publisher's decision to release physical editions of Grand Theft Auto 6 with a digital download code in the box.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick
has explained why physical copies of Grand Theft Auto 6 come with a code in a box Zelnick said the company's business is "well over 90% digital" He adds that Rockstar priced the Standard and Ultimate Editions well and that "the pre-orders have been exceptional" Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick has defended the publisher's decision to release physical editions of Grand Theft Auto 6 with just a digital download code in the box rather than a game disc.

During an investor Q&A session, Zelnick was asked to comment on Sony 's plan to end production of game discs in January 2028. While the CEO didn't
directly address the matter, he did suggest that a physical edition of GTA 6 won't matter because its business is over 90% digital (via Jason Schreier ). "Our business is well over 90% digitally distributed," Zelnick said. "It's already a digital business." Latest Videos From TechRadar Watch full video here:

When Rockstar Games finally announced the price of GTA 6 , it also confirmed that physical copies won't come with a disc , but a code instead which
stirred up a bit of controversy.

Until now, Take-Two hasn't addressed the situation, but it seems that the publisher's decision to forgo discs is down to digital sales being more lucrative for the company. You may like 'Everyone is still on physical what
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fans were already debating their value over a decade ago for GTA 5 GTA 6 physical copies have a download code in the box and fans aren't happy 'The biggest game to ever launch and thats all the effort youre putting in for physical?' 'I got a disc drive for my PS5 Pro just for this' GTA 6 fans disappointed with the lack of physical edition disc aren't alone, as some retailers have dropped the game from sale completely

Speaking separately with The Game Business about the same matter, the outlet mentioned that retail has been a key marketing channel for games such as GTA
, which Zelnick said was "a good point" and "is why we offer code-in-a-box," and once again mentioned that its business "is well over 90% digital."

Take-Two also revealed (via Variety ) that it earned $1.39 billion from GTA 6 pre-orders in just five days with what Zelnick called "unprecedented and astonishing" sales. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more.
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Players have the option to choose between a $79.99 / 69.99 Standard Edition and a $99.99 / 89.99 Ultimate Edition , the latter of which comes with an exclusive collection of additional content, which has also rubbed some fans the wrong way.

But according to Zelnick, Rockstar priced the editions just right.

"I think that Rockstar got it right in terms of the pricing of this standard edition and the pricing of the deluxe edition [Ultimate Edition], and I think theres no doubt that consumers are really excited about both, Zelnick said.

"And I think depending on your own ability to pay and how avid a consumer you are, you can choose between them. But the pre-orders have been exceptional, and were happy with the mix as well."

GTA 6 launches on November 19 for PS5 , Xbox Series X , and Series S . A new look at the game, titled 'Grand Theft Auto 6: An Extended Look,' will
premiere on Netflix on August 27. Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button! The best gaming consoles All the best consoles of this generation

Read our full guide to the best gaming consoles 1. Best overall: PlayStation 5 Slim 2. Best budget: Xbox Series S 3. Best handheld: Nintendo Switch 2 4. Most powerful: PlayStation 5 Pro



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/gaming/wondering-why-gta-6-is-a-code-in-a-box-take-t wo-ceo-says-its-because-gaming-is-now-well-over-90-percent-digital


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