Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick has defended the decision to sell Grand Theft Auto 6 in a box without a disc, arguing that physical media no longer makes sense for the publisher's biggest releases or for many of its customers.
The comments came during Take-Two's Q1 fiscal 2027 earnings call, after an analyst asked whether PlayStation's planned end to new-game disc production would affect the publisher's margins. Zelnick said more than 90% of Take-Two's business is already distributed digitally and framed downloading as the more convenient option for players who need an internet connection or online registration anyway.
"Our business is well over 90% digitally distributed as it is. It's already a digital business. So in certain instances, especially if it's a big game, you know, discs, and note I said discs, don't really make sense for the consumer."
Zelnick added that Take-Two may still offer physical editions from time to time, comparing them with vinyl releases in the music business. His distinction is important for GTA 6: a boxed product exists, but ownership of that box will not provide a playable disc.
GTA 6's box contains a download code
Rockstar's official preorder announcement says the physical version of GTA 6 will contain a download code. It will be available from November 12, one week before launch, so buyers can redeem the code and preload the game before November 19.
That arrangement preserves a retail product, but it removes several functions normally associated with a console disc. Once a single-use code has been redeemed, the box cannot be passed between consoles as a playable copy. It also leaves installation dependent on the platform's download service instead of media stored inside the package.
Take-Two's convenience argument does not change those differences. Players buying digitally can also preload from November 12, while collectors choosing the boxed edition receive packaging rather than an alternate way to install or retain the game.
Take-Two sees discs becoming a specialist product
The publisher's position arrives as PlayStation prepares for a much broader cutoff. Sony Interactive Entertainment has announced that disc production for new PlayStation games will end in January 2028. Games released before then are unaffected, but later releases will be sold through the PlayStation Store or by retailers in digital formats.
GTA 6 is already moving ahead of that deadline. The game is scheduled for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S on November 19, 2026, and Take-Two recently reaffirmed that date. A PC version has not been announced.
Rockstar has yet to indicate that a disc edition will follow the code-in-box launch. Readers tracking the rest of the release plans can find the confirmed platforms, characters and setting in our GTA 6 overview.