GTA 6 Pre-Orders Boycotted By Major Retailers Amid Disc Controversy
Grand Theft Auto VI is officially available to pre-order, but several retailers have boycotted sales, citing the absence of disc copies of the title.
On 24 June, Rockstar Games quietly confirmed that GTA VI’s physical copies wouldn’t include a disc copy of the game.
Instead, they’ll adopt the increasingly common method of offering a digital code in a box.
It’s a dreadful practice that essentially makes physical copies obsolete; the only benefit you get is an empty plastic box to display on your shelf.
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Digital ownership is terrible for game preservation.
In fact, in many instances when consumers purchase a digital title, they’re actually only purchasing temporary usage that can be revoked at any time.
In most cases, you only truly own a game if you have a disc copy with all of the required software installed on that disc.
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Rockstar Games is yet to justify why it’s opted for a code in a box. Yes, GTA VI is expected to be a hefty game, but it isn’t unheard of to provide multiple installation discs if required.
Leaker Graczdari, as reported by PPE.pl, claims that code in the box copies only apply to GTA VI's initial production run in order to prevent leaks, with disc copies arriving sometime later. This is yet to be confirmed though so do take the claim with a hefty pinch of salt.
Two Major US Retailers Have Already Called Off Sales For GTA VI
Loot Box Gaming in the US was one of the first retailers to announce that they wouldn’t be stocking copies of GTA VI.
“We’re closely following the GTA VI physical release situation over the next 24 hours. We’ve yet to receive full details on our end, but assuming information about it being a code in box is true, we will not be supporting the release of GTA VI,” it wrote.
GAMINGbible can confirm it is true, having seen confirmation from Rockstar Games.
They continued, “When we started LBG, it was out of a love for our favorite form of media, gaming, as well as the preservation of said media.
“If a product can’t honour the people who pay their hard earned money to purchase it, then we have no business trying to sell it to our customers whom we value above anything else.”
Video Games Plus, another US retailer, soon followed suit.
They recognised that “Grand Theft Auto VI is poised to be one of the biggest entertainment launches in history” but added that for “40 years, VGP has been committed to supporting physical media and preserving the value of physical game ownership”.
“As part of that commitment, our company policy is that we do not carry physical products for video game consoles that contain only a digital download code,” it continued.
“Based on the information currently available, the physical release of Grand Theft Auto VI for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X is expected to be a code-in-box product. As a result, VGP will not be offering it for sale under our current company policy.”
Video Games Plus concluded by adding that they would stock copies if Rockstar Games reverses its decision.
Don’t miss our guide to pre-ordering GTA VI:
It’s far from the only controversy surrounding the game that’s suddenly surfaced.
GTA VI’s Ultimate Edition Will Feature Exclusive Story Content
GTA VI is now confirmed to be arriving both as a Standard Edition and Ultimate Edition.
The Standard Edition will retail for £69.99 / $79.99 while the Ultimate Edition will set gamers back £89.99 / $99.99. Both copies include pre-order DLC if ordered before 20 November.
However, the Ultimate Edition has come under fire for paywalling content. It comes with its own unique cosmetics, weapons, and vehicles, as expected.
It’s also been confirmed that the Ultimate Edition features entire stores, side quests, and missions that base game players won’t be able to enjoy.
“Rockstar combined all the worst possible practices into a single game,” read one fan tweet. “Pre-sale without showing gameplay, physical media without the disc, game content locked behind a deluxe version, game content locked behind pre-purchase of the regular version, $80.”
“Let’s not forget that online for it will be a separate purchase as well,” replied another, as Rockstar Games has confirmed GTA VI purchases only provide the single-player offering.
“This is only the tip of the iceberg,” said one gamer. “Just wait until we get to the car passes, Shark cards, monthly online subscriptions, season passes, private server rentals.”
READ MORE: 6 AAA Games That Could Beat GTA 6 Come Award Season
It is bold to open pre-orders without dropping raw gameplay. Yes, we’re sure GTA VI is as good as we’re hoping, but as a consumer, it’s nice to at least see a sliver of proof.
There’s no word on when Rockstar might drop GTA VI’s third trailer, but perhaps as soon as possible is the recommended course of action to at least quell fan concerns.
GTA VI is due to launch on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S on 19 November, with those who pre-order able to pre-load the game from 12 November.
Topics: GTA, Grand Theft Auto, GTA 6, Rockstar Games