GTA 6 Pre-Order Update Is A Devastating Blow To Physical Media Gamers

Grand Theft Auto VI pre-orders are set to open in just a few hours time. Ahead of then though, Rockstar Games has confirmed a caveat regarding physical versions of the game - and this is likely going to upset many longtime fans.

GTA VI will be available to order both digitally and physically but, unfortunately, physical copies will only contain a code in a box and will not actually include a disc version of the game.

"The physical version of Grand Theft Auto VI, containing a download code inside the box, will be available starting November 12 to support pre-loading," Rockstar confirmed in a press release.

This has become a popular trend in recent years, but it somewhat makes purchasing a physical copy obsolete. In fact, the only benefit to purchasing a code in a box is that you get the box to display on your shelf.

Physical discs, like those that the original GTA: Vice City arrived on, are a dying breed, and that's something we should be concerned about.

When it comes to games being delisted or revoked, those with a physical copy of the game are in a much safer position. In many cases, digital copies include small print to make clear that you don't actually own the software at all.

It's, admittedly, unlikely that a game as high profile as GTA VI is going to have any issues regarding preservation further down the line. But if a game as well-funded and high profile as GTA VI isn't willing to provide actual disc copies, it sets a precedent in the industry.

More and more publishers will cut corners and eventually, real disc copies will cease to exist.

Despite No Physical Discs, GTA VI Will Be Available To Pre-Load

Alongside this upsetting news, Rockstar Games did confirm that GTA VI will be available for pre-load starting from 12 November. That means that gamers have around eight days to get GTA VI loaded up on their consoles, so they're ready to dive in immediately on launch day.

Rockstar Games

If you are itching the pre-order the game, pre-orders open at midnight local time, so 12am on 25 June - and you'll be able to get your hands on both digital and physical versions of the game.

Both Ultimate Edition And Pre-Order DLC Have Been Confirmed

Rockstar Games has confirmed the existence of Grand Theft Auto VI: Ultimate Edition. This, unfortunately, doesn't include any real-life merch, but it does bundle GTA VI with a ton of DLC that reflect various aspects of Jason and Lucia's story.

Don't Miss Our Pre-Order Guide:

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Ultimate Edition players will gain access to exclusive premium vehicles, weapons, apparel, and more.

Beyond that, all of those who pre-order or purchase GTA VI before 20 November will secure exclusive bonus items. The 'Vintage Vice City Pack' is up for grabs, featuring an array of cosmetics that harken back to Vice City's first 2002 outing.

There's no word at this stage on any exclusive PlayStation content after rumours claimed that PlayStation might have entered an exclusive marketing deal with Rockstar Games.

READ MORE: GTA 6 Limited Time DLC Confirmed, How To Claim As Pre-Orders Finally Arrive