GTA 6 has somehow 'sold out' despite being offered only as a digital game

Whilst you wouldn’t think that a video game that isn’t actually meant to have a physical release would sell out, Grand Theft Auto VI has managed it, as more Amazon shoppers are discovering that both the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S console versions cannot be pre-ordered with the retailers at this time.

The hugely anticipated sequel by Rockstar Games is releasing on 19 November, but the decision for GTA VI not to be released on disc had already caused quite the controversy — with some major retailers actually boycotting the game.

Granted, given this is a digital-only release, PlayStation and Xbox players could simply pre-order the games from their respective virtual storefronts instead; however, there’s a distinct difference with those aforementioned Amazon preorders, also making it easy to understand why they sold out in the first place.

GTA 6 fans react as Amazon pre-orders sell out

The situation was first pointed out on the r/GTA6 community on Reddit, where the poster shared a screenshot of the Xbox listing being displayed as ‘currently unavailable’.

One user commenting immediately saw the funny side, writing: “Sorry, our digital stock ran out of digital codes”.

Although, another immediately pointed out the difference with the GTA 6 preorders on Amazon: “Well, the box and the piece of paper the code is on is still physical and can run out. The PS and Xbox store won't run out, though.”

Neither console edition is currently available to pre-order on Amazon US (Rockstar Games/Amazon)

Despite GTA VI still being a digital-only game, copies being sold on Amazon are actually codes printed on a slip of paper in a box.

Sure, it’s easier to just print pieces of paper and plastic cases compared to creating and adding game discs, as well, but there’s still only a finite number of them. Inevitably, when it comes to a game as insanely anticipated as the latest Grand Theft Auto game, these physical boxes can still sell out — unlike on the PS Store or on Xbox’s Microsoft Store, where an infinite number of digital licenses can be sold without interruption (unless there’s a server issue).

‘Code in a box’ games have never been the most popular amongst gamers as a whole, but it turns out that some will happily take whatever kind of box they can get when it comes to GTA VI.

Some are disappointed about not getting a box

There are plenty of players who genuinely want one. Despite the absence of a disc, the case is still something to put on a shelf; plus, buying through Amazon can be appealing if you’ve got a gift card to use.

One commenter was relieved, saying: “Yup. And I just pre-ordered literally 3 days ago. Glad I did. I do want the case”

Others weren't so lucky. Another fan wrote: “Dammit I was gonna get one at some point”

A fellow Redditor echoed: “Damn it. I was gonna buy it just for the box.

I know it's available at other retailers, but I was saving up Amazon gift card credit for this that I got for free from reward apps. I'm gonna give it a week and hope they restock. If not, I will have to buy it from another retailer at full price.”

Rockstar's long-awaited sequel has already sparked controversy over its digital-only release (Rockstar Games)

Not everybody understands the appeal, of course. Along with the aforementioned retailers boycotting the game, players have also been cancelling their preorders after Rockstar Games announced GTA VI’s ‘collector’s edition’: The Goodtime State - Vice City Collection.

Priced at $399.99/£349.99, this box doesn’t even contain a code copy of the game, instead packing various bits of merchandise which some fans agree are definitely not worth the price.

Be that as it may, preorders for GTA VI in general are still yet to make Rockstar Games an ‘eye-watering amount’ — even expected to top the box office sales of James Cameron’s Avatar.