Yes, you read that right, there is an interesting rumor that is making the rounds regarding the fact that Grand Theft Auto 6 might launch as a digital-only game, which is hard to even think about, considering how heavily anticipated it is.
It would have been understandable if the game were an exclusive release for the PC systems, but Rockstar always releases their games for consoles first. So not having a physical release will be a huge blow for a lot of loyal consumers who have been playing the GTA IP for generations.
As absurd as it sounds, this rumor also has a lingering air of credibility surrounding it, considering how the source is the same as the leaker who had previously confirmed the release of Elder Scrolls Oblivion: Remastered. The news comes from the Polish site PPE, which had accurately confirmed the release of other games previously.
Physical edition might be delayed by a year
Although the news is still not completely clear on the facts because the same source, which suggests that the physical launch may not happen, also suggests that it will eventually happen, but at a later date.
The dates for how long fans might have to wait range from ‘just a few weeks’ to ‘very next year’. It will be extremely absurd if Rockstar eventually releases a physical edition a year later. Considering the fact that everyone can imagine the massive production costs for Grand Theft Auto 6.
Although the closure to all of this anticipation might come to us earlier, as the report suggests that everyone will get more clues during the next Rockstar Games earnings calls in February. So far, we have had rumors that the game might see another delay due to the recent layoffs at the studios.
But that is not confirmed yet, and the game is still on schedule to release in November this year. One plausible reason behind delaying physical release can be a decision from the marketing standpoint.
Rockstar might be trying to control leaks
Considering how much the whole world is oggling at the release of this game, physical releases are bound to leak somewhere in the world ahead of the release dates. We have seen this constantly happen with Nintendo games that break street date.
Maybe this is Rockstar’s plan to cushion out leaks and spoilers, and in that case, a delay by a few weeks would make sense, instead of pushing it to the next year. Rockstar has already been a victim of a massive data breach, which led to unfinished footage of GTA 6 being leaked to the public.
The last thing Take Two Interactive would want is a repeat of the same scenario. The company already has a policy of releasing their games on PC way later so that piracy and data mining can be prevented in the title’s early life. For now, we will have to wait and see how the situation develops by next month.
